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

'With health care inflation outpacing general costs, GXO Logistics 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, GXO Logistics 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 GXO Logistics 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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Sources:

Pension Plan Name of Pension Plan: GXO Logistics does not appear to offer a traditional defined benefit pension plan. The company primarily provides a 401(k) plan for retirement savings. Years of Service and Age Qualification: Not applicable for a traditional pension plan as GXO Logistics does not provide one. Pension Formula: Not applicable as there is no traditional pension plan. Source Document: Information on the lack of a traditional pension plan is available in the company's annual report and benefits guide. 401(k) Plan Name of 401(k) Plan: GXO Logistics 401(k) Plan Qualification Criteria: Employees are generally eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after 30 days of employment. Eligibility details may vary based on employment status and job role. 401(k) Plan Details: The company matches contributions up to a certain percentage of employee contributions. Specific match rates and contribution limits are detailed in the plan documents.

GXO Logistics has been undergoing significant restructuring in 2023, focusing on optimizing its operations and expanding its technology-driven logistics solutions. The company announced a series of layoffs as part of its efforts to streamline operations and reduce costs. This restructuring move is aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and positioning the company for future growth in the evolving logistics market. As economic and investment conditions fluctuate, it's crucial to stay informed about such developments. Changes in company structure and workforce can have broader implications for the job market and investment landscape.

GXO Logistics Stock Options: GXO Logistics typically offers stock options to executives and key employees as part of their compensation package. The specific terms of these options, including vesting schedules and exercise prices, are detailed in the company’s annual proxy statements and financial reports. RSUs: GXO Logistics provides RSUs to a broader range of employees, including senior management and high-performing employees. The vesting of RSUs usually occurs over a period of several years, with the specific vesting conditions outlined in the company’s equity compensation plan.

Company Official Website Healthcare Coverage: GXO Logistics offers a range of health benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance. Plans often include options for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). Terms and Acronyms: HSA: Health Savings Account FSA: Flexible Spending Account HDHP: High Deductible Health Plan EAP: Employee Assistance Program LinkedIn Healthcare Plans: Information on LinkedIn highlights that GXO provides comprehensive health plans that may include wellness programs and preventive care services. Employee Feedback: Reviews mention that benefits are competitive, but the extent of coverage can vary depending on the employee's role and location. Glassdoor Benefits Details: Employees have reported that GXO offers a standard benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, with some flexibility in choosing plans. There are also mentions of additional perks like wellness initiatives. Recent Updates: No major changes to health benefits were noted in recent reviews. Indeed Healthcare Benefits: Similar to other sources, Indeed confirms GXO’s provision of health insurance options including HSAs and FSAs. Employee reviews often highlight the benefits package as a positive aspect of working for GXO. Acronyms: Commonly used terms include PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) and EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization). Company News Outlets Recent Employee Healthcare News: GXO has been focusing on enhancing employee wellness programs. Recent news includes investments in mental health resources and expanding telemedicine options. No significant recent changes to core health benefits were reported.