A Doctor’s Guide to the HCA 401(k) Plan: What You Should Know

As a physician working in the HCA system, your time is spent helping others. But are you doing enough to help future you? Understanding the HCA 401(k) plan can be your first step toward long-term financial independence.

Key Features of the HCA 401(k) Plan

Contributions and Vesting

Participants may defer from 1% to 50% of eligible salary to the Plan, subject to Internal Revenue Code (the Code) limitations. Such amounts, along with earnings thereon, are fully vested at all times. The Company, in its sole discretion, may limit the contributions of highly compensated employees. Participants who have attained age 50 before the close of the Plan year are eligible to make catch-up contributions, subject to Code limitations.

The Company matching contribution equals 100% of the participant’s salary deferral contribution for the applicable period, up to the following maximum percentages:

Years of Service as of End of Plan Year (Maximum Match of Eligible Salary

0–4 Years of service: 3%

5–9 Years of service: 4%

10–14 Years of service: 6%

15–19 Years of service: 7%

20–24 Years of Service: 8%

25 or more Years of Service: 9%

It's important to note that HCA may place contribution limits on highly compensated employees at its discretion.

This structured plan rewards long-term service and encourages consistent retirement savings across all career stages.

Is the HCA 401(k) Competitive for physicians?

A good 401(k) has a combination of low fees and broad investment options. It is likely that the fees are low but the investment options are not broad, so it is just okay.

If I was a physician at HCA and I left, I would definitiely roll my retirement plan out of there into an IRA or another employey's retirement plan.

Physician Tips

• Consider front-loading contributions if you plan to go part-time later

• Be aware of vesting cliffs—especially if you're new or planning to move

Thinking Bigger

This isn’t just about your 401(k) — it’s about crafting a full retirement roadmap. Whether you stay with HCA long-term or move on, the decisions you make today ripple for decades.

How We Help

At Dr. Harris & Co., we serve doctors like you — helping translate complex benefits into clear financial plans. If you want an advisor who knows physician life inside and out, we’re here.

Important Information: Unless you have a signed written advisory agreement we are not your financial advisor and you should do your own research, and talk to your own professional advisors before acting on anything in this article. Also, you should check with your plan documents, your benefits or HR people at work to confirm any of the information in this article, which we believe is accurate but we could be wrong and you need to do your own research.

About Daniel Harris

Daniel R. Harris is the founder and principal of D.R. Harris & Co., a national, fee-only fiduciary financial advisory firm based in La Jolla, CA. With over two decades of experience helping physicians with their finances, Daniel is dedicated to helping physicians navigate the complexities of their financial lives. He earned his B.A. from Stanford University and his J.D. from UC Berkeley School of Law, where he focused on tax law—knowledge he uses to craft tax-efficient investment strategies for his clients.

Throughout his career, Daniel has observed over $1 billion in securities transactions, providing him with invaluable experience in wealth management, tax strategy, and financial planning. As a fiduciary, Daniel is committed to offering advice that puts client interests first.

At D.R. Harris & Co., Daniel works directly with physicians to create personalized financial strategies that address the unique challenges they face, from transitioning to becoming an attending to retirement planning. His goal is to help physicians manage their financial future with confidence, so they can focus on their careers and families and what matters to them.

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