CVS Health 401(k) at a glance
| Employer match | After one year of service, CVS Health matches 100% of the first 5% of pay you contribute each pay period (max 5% of pay). |
|---|---|
| Maximum match | 5% of pay, up to $17,500 a year |
| Contribution needed for full match | 5% of pay |
| Vesting | ImmediateAll contributions, including the match, are 100% vested at all times. |
| Eligibility | Employees age 18+ can join the plan on the first of the month after hire. The match starts after one year of service with at least 1,000 hours. |
| Automatic enrollment | No auto-enroll rate is stated. Employees can choose an optional automatic yearly increase of 1% to 3%. |
| Roth 401(k) option | Yes |
| Pension | No |
| Plan provider | Vanguard |
| Who this applies to | US employees except union employees (unless their agreement provides coverage) and Puerto Rico residents |
How much is the CVS Health match worth?
If you contribute 5% of your pay, CVS Health adds the full match. Here is what that means at different salaries, per year, before investment growth:
| Salary | You contribute (5%) | CVS Health match |
|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| $60,000 | $3,000 | $3,000 |
| $90,000 | $4,500 | $4,500 |
| $150,000 | $7,500 | $7,500 |
Illustration based on the plan terms above. Your actual match depends on eligible pay, timing and plan rules.
Good to know
- The match is a safe harbor match, applied per pay period. There is no year-end true-up, so contribute at least 5% every pay period.
- The $17,500 cap for 2025 is 5% of the IRS pay limit.
How to make the most of your CVS Health 401(k)
- Always get the full match. Contribute at least 5% of pay. It is an instant return you cannot get anywhere else.
- Check your vesting date before you change jobs, so you do not leave unvested money behind.
- Pre-tax or Roth? If you expect a higher tax rate in retirement, Roth contributions can pay off. Model it with our Roth conversion calculator.
- Watch fees and prefer low-cost index or target-date funds in the plan lineup.
- Plan the whole picture: see how your state taxes retirement income before you decide where to retire.
Frequently asked questions
Does CVS Health match 401(k) contributions?
After one year of service, CVS Health matches 100% of the first 5% of pay you contribute each pay period (max 5% of pay).
When does the CVS Health 401(k) match vest?
All contributions, including the match, are 100% vested at all times.
When can I join the CVS Health 401(k)?
Employees age 18+ can join the plan on the first of the month after hire. The match starts after one year of service with at least 1,000 hours.
How much should I contribute to get the full CVS Health match?
Contribute at least 5% of your pay (the match is capped at $17,500 a year). Anything less leaves part of the match unclaimed.
Sources (last verified 2025)
- CVS Health Future Fund 401(k) Plan Summary Plan Description (updated through January 2025) — CVS Health (2025-01)
- CVS Health Form 11-K FY2025 — SEC EDGAR (2026-06-22)
Educational content only, not tax, legal or investment advice. Plans and tax laws change; confirm details with your employer's plan documents or your state revenue department. Smart Financial Lifestyle is not affiliated with any employer named on this site.