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

'With health care inflation outpacing general costs, GoDaddy 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, GoDaddy 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 GoDaddy 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.

Featured Video

Articles you may find interesting:

Sources:

Pension Plan Name: GoDaddy does not offer a traditional defined benefit pension plan. Instead, the company provides a 401(k) plan. Years of Service and Age Qualification: Not applicable, as GoDaddy does not have a defined benefit pension plan. Pension Formula: Not applicable. Source Document and Page Number: Information not applicable as GoDaddy does not have a traditional pension plan. 401(k) Plan: 401(k) Plan Name: GoDaddy 401(k) Plan. Qualification Criteria: Employees are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after 30 days of employment. Employees must be at least 21 years old to enroll. 401(k) Plan Details: GoDaddy offers a match contribution of up to 4% of an employee's eligible pay. The plan also includes a range of investment options and automatic enrollment.

GoDaddy announced a significant restructuring plan in early 2024. The company revealed that it would be reducing its workforce by approximately 10% to streamline operations and improve efficiency. This decision was influenced by the need to adapt to the shifting economic landscape, including evolving tax policies and investment challenges. Given the current political environment, such restructuring news is crucial for stakeholders as it reflects broader trends in corporate adjustments to economic pressures. In addition to layoffs, GoDaddy has made changes to its employee benefits package. The company has reduced some healthcare benefits and adjusted its 401(k) matching contributions. These changes come in response to rising operational costs and a need to align expenses with revenue. The modification in benefits and retirement plans is significant as it highlights how companies are adjusting their compensation structures amidst fluctuating economic conditions and potential future tax impacts.

GoDaddy provides stock options and RSUs as part of its compensation package. GoDaddy grants these equity incentives to employees based on their role and performance. GoDaddy generally issues these as part of long-term incentive plans to attract and retain talent.

Company Website: GoDaddy’s official site for health benefits and employee resources. Annual Reports: Look into GoDaddy’s annual reports or financial disclosures that might include information on employee benefits. HR or Benefits Sites: Websites like Glassdoor or Indeed for employee reviews and insights on benefits. News Outlets: Reliable business news sources for any recent changes or updates to their health benefits. Industry Reports: Publications or industry reports that might detail benefits practices and comparisons. 1. GoDaddy Official Website Health Insurance: GoDaddy offers comprehensive health insurance plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. The company typically covers a significant portion of the premiums for employees. Wellness Programs: Includes mental health support, fitness programs, and wellness stipends. Acronyms: HSA (Health Savings Account), FSA (Flexible Spending Account), EAP (Employee Assistance Program). 2. Glassdoor Reviews: Employees have reported positive experiences with GoDaddy’s health benefits, highlighting the company's support for mental health and work-life balance. There is also appreciation for the variety of plan options available. Benefits: Includes medical, dental, and vision insurance. Some employees mention additional perks like gym memberships and wellness incentives. 3. Indeed Insights: GoDaddy provides a range of health benefits including medical insurance with several plan options. Employees note that GoDaddy also offers a competitive benefits package compared to industry standards. Updates: Any recent changes or updates might be reflected in employee reviews or company announcements on this site. 4. Business News Outlets Recent Changes: There have been no major public announcements regarding changes to GoDaddy’s health benefits in 2023 or 2024. However, companies often update benefits annually, so recent changes might be more subtle or internal. 5. Industry Reports Comparisons: GoDaddy’s benefits are competitive within the tech industry. They are known for offering robust health benefits as part of their overall employee value proposition. Recent Employee Healthcare News: 2023: GoDaddy expanded its telehealth services, making it easier for employees to access medical consultations remotely. 2024: The company introduced a new wellness program that includes virtual mental health counseling and increased stipends for fitness-related expenses.