Why More Airbnb Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
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'Airbnb employees weighing when to file for Social Security should consider both current health care costs and long-term income needs, so they can stay adaptable as retirement unfolds.' — Paul Bergeron, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
'Airbnb employees can benefit from thoughtfully coordinating Social Security timing with health care expenses so their retirement income stays aligned with their evolving needs over time.' — Tyson Mavar, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
In this article, we will discuss:
How Social Security filing age affects retirement income.
How Medicare expenses factor into when retirees claim benefits.
Why emotional concerns are shifting filing behavior for many Americans.
Written by Wealth Enhancement advisors Kevin Landis, CPA and Wesley Boudreaux
Advisors in the retirement-income space have long suggested that retirees consider delaying filing for Social Security benefits. For those with a full retirement age (FRA) of 67, waiting until age 70 can result in monthly payments that are around 24% higher.
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And for those with an FRA of 66, the increase if one waits until age 70 is closer to 32%.
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Airbnb employees nearing retirement often hear this same message.
However, new national data indicates a growing number of Americans plan to claim Social Security before age 70. Cost pressures and health care related issues are major influences in this trend.
The Retirees’ Reality
Today’s retirees face a very different environment than those in past decades, including less access to traditional pensions, rising health care costs, and mounting everyday living expenses. In the private sector, only about 15% of workers still have access to defined benefit pensions,
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affecting many households and Airbnb employees.
According to retirement consultant Wesley Boudreaux, 'most retirees are not choosing to claim early for the sake of it.” Instead, rising medical and living costs are driving earlier benefit decisions because of cash flow pressures.
One major factor? Health care. Nearly 39% of out-of-pocket health care spending by Medicare beneficiaries was equivalent to Social Security payments received, on average, in 2022.
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Medicare Advantage: A Key Planning Factor
Additionally, shifts in Medicare Advantage plans have left many retirees unsure about upcoming costs. Benefit structures can vary significantly by year or by region, causing cost surprises that Airbnb workers and their families may need to plan for.
“We are already seeing clients paying more for health care than expected,” said Kevin Landis, CPA. “When medical expenses rise, Social Security often becomes the first lever people pull to handle that burden.”
This is why coordinating Social Security filing decisions with Medicare coverage choices remains important, particularly when plans change annually.
“This is the intersection of Social Security and health care planning,” Landis adds. “Changes in one can influence the other.”
Emotional Considerations Also Matter
Money matters aren’t the only reason retirees claim earlier. Concerns about the future of Social Security have caused many to look for the emotional comfort of taking benefits sooner, including some Airbnb workers preparing for retirement.
While benefits are expected to continue—even if trust fund reserves decline in the 2030s—worries about future payouts can play a role.
“It’s not just about math,” Boudreaux explains. “People want control and stability in retirement, even if that means receiving less over time.”
Finding the Right Approach for You
Whether filing early is a good fit depends a lot on health, cash flow needs, and longer-term retirement goals. Thoughtful planning helps maintain flexibility, rather than driving you to respond under pressure.
“The best approach balances today’s needs with what lies ahead,” Landis says. “And that begins with understanding how Medicare and Social Security interact.”
Need Help Reviewing Your Options?
The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement, helps individuals evaluate Medicare electives, analyze Social Security filing alternatives, and design retirement income strategies based on personal goals—including guidance tailored to those employed by Airbnb.
📞 Call (800) 900-5867 before your next enrollment period to schedule a Social Security & Health Care Review.
Work toward confidence in your long-term retirement income decisions.
About the Authors
Wesley Boudreaux and Kevin Landis, CPA, provide retirement income and tax planning guidance through Wealth Enhancement, helping people make informed choices about Social Security, Medicare, and financial well-being.
1. Social Security Administration.
When to Start Receiving Retirement Benefits: Publication No. 05-10147
. May 2024. U.S. Government Publishing Office, Washington D.C.
2. Topoleski, John J., Elizabeth A. Myers, and Sylvia L. Bryan.
Worker Participation in Employer-Sponsored Pensions: Data in Brief and Recent Trends (R43439)
. Congressional Research Service, 18 Sept. 2024.
3. Medicare Payment Advisory Commission.
Report to the Congress: Medicare Payment Policy – Chapter 11: The Medicare Advantage Program: Status Report
. Mar. 2025, medpac.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Mar25_Ch11_MedPAC_Report_To_Congress_SEC.pdf.
4. Board of Trustees, Social Security.
2025 Annual Report of the Board of Trustees of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance and Federal Disability Insurance Trust Funds
. 30 June 2025. U.S. Government Publishing Office, Washington D.C.
What type of retirement savings plan does Airbnb offer to its employees?
Airbnb offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.
Does Airbnb match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Airbnb provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, helping employees maximize their retirement savings.
What is the eligibility requirement for employees to participate in Airbnb's 401(k) plan?
Employees at Airbnb are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, typically within the first year of employment.
Can Airbnb employees choose how their 401(k) contributions are invested?
Yes, Airbnb employees can choose from a variety of investment options for their 401(k) contributions based on their individual risk tolerance and retirement goals.
What is the contribution limit for Airbnb employees who participate in the 401(k) plan?
The contribution limit for Airbnb employees is set according to IRS guidelines, which may change annually. Employees should check the current limit for the year.
Does Airbnb allow employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, Airbnb allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan.
What happens to an Airbnb employee's 401(k) if they leave the company?
If an Airbnb employee leaves the company, they can roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account or leave it in the Airbnb plan, depending on the balance and company policies.
Are there any fees associated with managing the 401(k) plan at Airbnb?
Yes, Airbnb's 401(k) plan may have administrative fees and investment-related fees, which are disclosed to employees in the plan documents.
How often can Airbnb employees change their 401(k) contribution amounts?
Airbnb employees can change their 401(k) contribution amounts during designated enrollment periods or as allowed by the plan throughout the year.
Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in Airbnb's 401(k) plan?
Yes, Airbnb has a vesting schedule for the employer match, meaning employees must work for a certain period before they fully own the matched contributions.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
This news is crucial due to ongoing economic instability and high inflation, affecting investment strategies. Understanding Airbnb's cost-cutting measures helps investors make informed decisions and highlights the broader trend of tech companies adjusting to economic challenges (TheLayoff.com) (TheLayoff.com) (TheLayoff.com) (TheLayoff.com).
For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Airbnb at 888 Brannan Street San Francisco, CA 94103; or by calling them at (415) 800-5959.
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