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UnitedHealth Group Employees Confront the Fear of Running Out of Money in Retirement

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for UnitedHealth Group The primary healthcare provider for UnitedHealth Group is UnitedHealthcare, which offers a variety of health insurance plans and services, including individual and employer-sponsored health plans, Medicaid, and Medicare products. UnitedHealthcare operates within the larger framework of UnitedHealth Group, which is one of the nation's leading health care companies. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 In 2026, healthcare costs are expected to rise sharply, primarily due to the expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies and escalating medical expenses. UnitedHealthcare has announced significant premium increases, particularly in states like New York, where rates may soar up to 66.4% for individual plans. This combination of factors could lead to out-of-pocket premium costs surging by over 75% for a substantial number of enrollees, thereby straining family budgets and potentially reducing access to affordable care for millions of Americans. As a result, both consumers and industry stakeholders will need to navigate an increasingly challenging landscape in the healthcare market., 'sources': [], 'images': [] Click here to learn more

'To allay long-term financial concerns, UnitedHealth Group employees may benefit from a comprehensive retirement strategy that addresses inflation, health care costs, and tax planning.' – Michael Corgiat, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'Proactive retirement planning—especially around inflation, health care, and shifting tax policies—can help UnitedHealth Group employees gain clarity and reduce uncertainty in the years leading up to retirement.' – Brent Wolf, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article we will discuss:

Key causes of retirement anxiety, including inflation, health care, and taxes.
Generational differences in money concerns and readiness.
The value of broad retirement planning approaches.

Retirement Anxiety is On The Rise

Employees across industries, including those at UnitedHealth Group, have long worried about how they will fund retirement. These concerns have grown considerably in today’s economy. Nearly two out of three Americans (64%) said they worry more about outliving their resources than they do about dying, according to the Allianz Center for the Future of Retirement’s 2025 Annual Retirement Study. ¹

Main Causes of Retirement-Related Worry

The Allianz study lists several key triggers of these fears. Regarding long-term planning, 54% of respondents said inflation was their top worry. Increases in health care costs, housing, and food prices are still undermining people’s purchasing power.

Concerns around Social Security’s future and tax burdens are also high. 43% said they feared Social Security might not offer adequate support. And another 43% named high taxes as a major issue.

Generational Gaps in Money Stress

Gen X—often balancing care for both kids and aging parents—report the highest worry: 70% versus 66% of millennials and 61% of boomers. Among corporate workers, including those at UnitedHealth Group, this dynamic underlines how family obligations can magnify retirement concerns.

The Gap Between Worry and Action

The survey shows a gap between concern and conversation: just 23% of respondents have talked about outliving their assets with a retirement specialist, down from 28% in 2024. ² That said, Americans are considering several strategies to allay these fears, ranking the following approaches as most helpful:

41% said cutting current spending to funnel more toward retirement 
44% said increasing retirement contributions 
39% said postponing retirement
While increasing contributions to retirement accounts could help address these concerns, barriers remain: daily necessities (63%), credit card debt (40%), mortgage or rent (35%) were top reasons people weren’t contributing more.

The Emotional Side of Retirement Anxiety

Retirement fears influence not just finances, but lifestyle, career choices, and family planning. Worries about independence, dignity, and quality of life often accompany fear of running short on funds.

Health care need are often underestimated too, complicating the equation. Medicare covers many basic services, but long‑term care, home assistance, and uncovered treatments can add large bills—adding uncertainty even for high‑income employees.

Broader Retirement Planning Matters

The Allianz findings emphasize planning well beyond just saving. With people living 25 to 30 years post‑work, a solid planning mindset is critical. As Kelly LaVigne, VP at Allianz Life, noted, “Americans areliving longer… your money needs to go farther. A good plan considers 25 to 30 years of retirement, not just the first ten.” ²

Key components often include:

Income strategies: setting up regular monthly disbursements from assets
Tax planning: reducing tax burdens on withdrawals
Health care planning: factoring in Medicare gaps and long‑term care
Inflation alignment: keeping income responsive to cost increases

Combined, these strategies can help build resilience, confidence, and preparedness even in uncertain times.

In Conclusion

The 2025 Allianz Retirement Study makes it clear: a majority of Americans—and UnitedHealth Group employees among them—see the threat of running out of money as more frightening than death. Rising inflation, health care spending, and uncertainty around Social Security are central drivers. Fewer are taking direct action through planning conversations or boosted contributions.

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Yet there is opportunity. The IRS now permits catch‑up 401(k) contributions of up to $11,250 for those aged 60–63 in 2025—above the standard limit. For many, this is a practical way to fortify resources in those final working years.

A Final Thought

Think of retirement like a long sea voyage. Death may be the storm ahead, but empty savings are the leak that can sink the ship first. According to the Allianz study, 64% of Americans fear that leak more than the storm. For UnitedHealth Group employees, the goal is to build a well-structured plan—with consistent income, planning for health costs, and tax awareness—that can keep the vessel afloat for the long haul.

Sources:

1. Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, ' How Americans feel about retirement in 2025 ,' by the Allianz Center for the Future of Retirement ^TM , June 2025.

2. businesswire, ' Americans Are More Worried About Running Out of Money Than Death ,' April 22, 2025.

What type of retirement savings plan does UnitedHealth Group offer to its employees?

UnitedHealth Group offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.

Does UnitedHealth Group match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, UnitedHealth Group provides a matching contribution to employees who participate in the 401(k) plan, subject to certain limits.

How can employees enroll in the UnitedHealth Group 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in the UnitedHealth Group 401(k) plan through the company's benefits portal during open enrollment or after they become eligible.

What is the eligibility requirement to participate in the UnitedHealth Group 401(k) plan?

Most employees at UnitedHealth Group are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service.

Can employees at UnitedHealth Group take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, UnitedHealth Group allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to the plan's terms and conditions.

What investment options are available in the UnitedHealth Group 401(k) plan?

The UnitedHealth Group 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.

Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in the UnitedHealth Group 401(k) plan?

Yes, UnitedHealth Group has a vesting schedule for the employer match, which means that employees must work for the company for a certain period to fully own the matched funds.

How often can employees change their contribution amounts to the UnitedHealth Group 401(k) plan?

Employees can change their contribution amounts to the UnitedHealth Group 401(k) plan at any time, subject to the plan's guidelines.

What happens to a UnitedHealth Group employee’s 401(k) account if they leave the company?

If a UnitedHealth Group employee leaves the company, they have several options for their 401(k) account, including rolling it over to another retirement account or leaving it with UnitedHealth Group.

Does UnitedHealth Group offer financial education resources for employees regarding their 401(k) plan?

Yes, UnitedHealth Group provides financial education resources and tools to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) savings.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

UnitedHealth Group provides a defined contribution 401(k) plan with company matching contributions. Employees can contribute pre-tax or Roth (after-tax) dollars, and UnitedHealth matches 100% of the first 3% and 50% of the next 2% of eligible compensation. The plan includes a variety of investment options, including target-date funds, mutual funds, and a brokerage account. UnitedHealth also offers an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) with a discount on company stock. Financial education resources and tools are available to help employees manage their retirement savings.

UnitedHealth Group offers both RSUs and stock options to its employees. RSUs vest over time, giving employees shares of the company, while stock options allow employees to purchase shares at a set price.