We have some of the best benefits around...retiree medical...if you are 45 with at least 5 years of service, you can retire and continue to get Novartis medical at the "group" rate, but you pay the entire premium (example, when an active employee what you pay is only about 20% of the total cost), however, if you are 55 with at least 10 years of service, you are eligible for a retiree medical benefit for you and spouse (or partner), and there is a formula, or credit "earned" for every year of employment after the age of 40, up to a maximum of 20 credits...I think for this year the credit per year is about $400, it goes up every year. When retired, you have to pay at least 10% of the cost...but if you stick it out it is really very generous. In terms of 401K...the company automatically gives everyone a 2% contribution of your base pay, then matches the next 4% at 100%, again a good deal. Hope that helps!
