GameStop Retirees Face Rising Health Care Costs: Insights from Patrick Ray & Tyson Mavar

'With health care inflation outpacing general costs, GameStop employees should consider building personalized strategies that include HSAs and emergency reserves to help manage future medical expenses.' — Michael Corgiat, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'As medical expenses continue to rise, GameStop employees benefit from proactively incorporating health care costs into their retirement planning through customized approaches like HSAs and dedicated emergency funds.' — Brent Wolf, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article we will discuss:

1. How health care inflation impacts retirement planning for Fortune 500 employees.

2. Strategies with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and emergency medical funds.

3. The need for tailored planning to meet Medicare gaps and long-term care needs.

Managing retirement health care costs calls for thoughtful planning, especially as medical expenses continue to outpace general inflation. Yet, for Fortune 500 professionals approaching retirement, generic guidance often misses the mark. Patrick Ray and Tyson Mavar of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement, recommend a customized approach that factors in health care inflation, coverage choices, tax-efficient tools, and access to liquid funds for unexpected medical events.

Health Care Estimate for Retirees

According to the Fidelity Retiree Health Care Cost Estimate, a 65-year‑old retiring in 2025 may need approximately $172,500 saved to cover health and medical expenses during retirement—an increase of over 4% since 2024. ¹  Notably, this estimate assumes enrollment in Medicare Parts A, B, and D and excludes the costs of long‑term care.

Of that estimate, 44% of the costs would go to Medicare Parts B and D premiums, 47% relate to standard out‑of‑pocket costs (such as co-payments and deductibles), and 9% would be needed to purchase prescription medications. ¹

These trends are particularly concerning given that roughly 20% of Americans say they haven’t considered health care in retirement planning, while 17% haven’t taken any planning steps yet. ²

For its part, the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) notes that a 65‑year‑old couple with higher prescription drug expenses may need as much as $413,000 to have a 90% likelihood of covering their medical needs in retirement. ³

The Value of a Personalized Retirement Health Care Approach

In light of this data, Ray and Mavar recommend developing a retirement health care strategy tailored to each individual's situation, particularly for those at large employers like Fortune 500. Key components could include:

• - Estimating expected medical needs

• - Using Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)

• - Keeping readily available funds for emergencies

• - Aligning health care coverage with lifespan and income expectations

1. Estimating Your Health Care Budget

Although industry research offers a baseline for average health care costs, it does not consider the full range of medical expenses GameStop employees could face post-retirement. For instance, if you factor in costs related to long-term care, estimates could balloon by an additional $26,000 to $127,750 per year. ⁴

Beyond long-term care, additional cost categories could include:

• - Medicare premiums

• - Prescription medications and co‑pays

• - Services not covered by Medicare (e.g., dental, vision)

Ray and Mavar caution Fortune 500 professionals not to underestimate these figures when planning.

2. Gaps in Preparedness

With 17% of Americans having taken no action to plan for health care in retirement, Ray and Mavar emphasize treating health care planning as a central component—not an afterthought.

3. Making Full Use of HSAs

Ray and Mavar suggest consistently contributing to HSAs during working years. For instance, a 35‑year‑old contributing up to $4,300 annually and assuming a 7% return might accumulate over  $500,000  by age 65, including approximately  $140,000 in tax savings . Only about  30%  of HSA holders currently invest those balances.

In their recent webinar, ' Leveraging HSAs to Reduce Health Care Costs ,' Mavar described benefits such as tax‑free growth and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses for those with high‑deductible health plans.

4. Building an Emergency Medical Reserve

Unexpected diagnoses or emergencies can quickly drain resources. Mavar recommends a separate cash reserve—such as in a money market or high‑yield savings account—outside primary retirement accounts. This may help retirees handle health care shocks without impacting long‑term investments.

• Broader Economic Landscape: Health Care Inflation and Trends

Health care spending is projected to continue rising. In a report published by federal actuaries, U.S. health care spending is expected to rise by 7.1% in 2025—well ahead of general inflation. ⁵  Reasons for this rise range from growing personal health care spending and hospital spending growth, to prescription drugs and physician services. As a result, health care expenses could account for 20% of U.S. GDP by 2033. ⁵

At the same time, many health care insurers report higher medical-loss ratios, indicating increased spending on care—including chronic disease management and mental health services—costs that could be passed down to retirees.

Key Recommendations for Retirement Health Care Preparation

• As Mavar and Ray note, the $172,500 estimate for those retiring in 2025 is simply a starting reference point. Early retirement or long-term care needs could push your total higher.

• If you are among the percentage of people who has not yet considered health care costs in your retirement planning, now is the time to start. By leveraging the triple tax advantages available through HSAs, putting aside sufficient reserves to address medical emergencies, and exploring individual strategies that take your personal coverage choices, retirement timing, and health conditions into account, you can build a safety net that considers your long-term health care spending needs.

Final Thoughts

Health care outcomes and personal circumstances vary widely—especially among long‑time Fortune 500 professionals. A tailored planning strategy—covering realistic spending projections, full use of HSAs, dedicated medical reserves, and thoughtful coverage choices—can help support a more predictable and manageable retirement journey.

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GameStop provides its employees with both a 401(k) plan and a defined contribution pension plan. These retirement benefits are designed to help employees secure a steady income after their career. GameStop's 401(k) plan, known as the GameStop Corp. Employees' Savings Plan, allows employees to contribute a portion of their earnings to their retirement savings. GameStop offers matching contributions to encourage employee participation, typically matching 100% for the first 3% contributed and 50% for the next 2%, though specifics may vary slightly by year. For the years 2022, 2023, and 2024, the contribution limits set by the IRS have increased, with employees allowed to contribute up to $22,500 in 2023 and $23,000 in 2024. Catch-up contributions for those aged 50 and older are an additional $7,500 annually. This plan provides flexible investment options and allows for rollover of funds into new plans if employees leave the company​ (Smart 40K Plus)​ (PayScale). GameStop's defined contribution pension plan works by allowing the company to make contributions to individual employee accounts, which are invested in a selection of funds chosen by the employee. Over time, this fund grows based on contributions and market performance. The plan does not specify a fixed benefit at retirement; instead, the payout depends on the investment performance. In 2022, the average account value for employees participating in the GameStop Corp. Employees' Savings Plan was $11,942

Restructuring and Layoffs: In early 2024, GameStop announced a major restructuring plan aimed at streamlining operations and reducing costs. This included the closure of several underperforming stores and a significant reduction in workforce. The company cited the need to adapt to changing retail environments and improve profitability as key reasons for these actions. Analysts point out that GameStop’s move is part of a broader trend of retailers adjusting their business models in response to economic uncertainties and shifts in consumer behavior. This restructuring is particularly relevant given the current economic climate, which is marked by inflation and shifts in consumer spending patterns.

2022: RSUs were granted to senior management and high-potential employees to retain top talent and incentivize performance. Vesting periods typically ranged from one to four years. Source: GameStop 2022 Annual Report, Page 46. 2023: GameStop adjusted its RSU program to reflect changes in executive compensation practices and market conditions. RSUs were granted with performance-based vesting conditions. Source: GameStop 2023 Proxy Statement, Page 35. 2024: The RSU program for 2024 includes modifications to align with strategic goals and market trends, with enhanced focus on performance metrics. Eligibility remains concentrated on key personnel and executives. Source: GameStop 2024 SEC Filing, Page 53. Specific Company Stock Options and RSUs:

Visit GameStop’s official website and look for their “Careers” or “Benefits” section. Check if they have any recent press releases or updates regarding employee health benefits. Employee Review Websites: Glassdoor: Look up GameStop’s page on Glassdoor to see employee reviews about benefits. Indeed: Search for GameStop and check the “Benefits” section for employee comments. Business News Websites: Forbes: Search for articles related to GameStop and employee benefits. Business Insider: Look for any recent news affecting GameStop's health benefits. Industry News Sources: HR Dive: This site often covers updates on employee benefits and health care trends. SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management): Look for articles on changes in health benefits in retail or GameStop specifically. Government or Legal Websites: U.S. Department of Labor: Check if there are any filings or notices related to employee benefits for GameStop. IRS: Search for any relevant information on health benefits regulations that might affect GameStop. Specific Healthcare-Related Terms and Acronyms: HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization) HDHP (High Deductible Health Plan) FSA (Flexible Spending Account) HSA (Health Savings Account) COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) EAP (Employee Assistance Program) Recent Employee Healthcare News for GameStop: Look for any recent changes in their health benefits plans, such as increased premiums, changes in coverage, or new wellness programs. Check if there have been any major lawsuits or regulatory changes affecting their health benefits. Look for any company announcements about improving or reducing benefits. You can use these sources and terms to get a comprehensive view of GameStop’s employee health benefits for the years 2022, 2023, or 2024. If you need a detailed summary of specific findings, let me know!