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Monday, November 9, 2026Nov 9

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Erlanger pension fund declared healthy, ready for lump sum payments

Staff File Photo by Matt Hamilton / Erlanger hospital is pictured April 15, 2025. The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Hospital Authority, which owned the Erlanger health system until June 2023, has announced it is preparing to make lump sum pension payments.
Staff File Photo by Matt Hamilton / Erlanger hospital is pictured April 15, 2025. The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Hospital Authority, which owned the Erlanger health system until June 2023, has announced it is preparing to make lump sum pension payments. Staff File Photo by Matt Hamilton / Erlanger hospital is pictured April 15, 2025. The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Hospital Authority, which owned the Erlanger health system until June 2023, has announced it is preparing to make lump sum pension payments.

Lump sum pension payouts have returned to Erlanger hospital, officials announced Tuesday — almost five years after the option was suspended in September 2020.

The board of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Hospital Authority has decided to begin winding down its legacy pension retirement plan and trust, according to a news release from the authority. It will officially cease operations as of Dec. 31, 2025.

The plan will be fully funded, and all participants will receive 100% of the benefits they have earned, according to a news release. Participants have been notified of the change.

(READ MORE: Erlanger, United nearing April 15 deadline for new contract)

LUMP SUM