Why More Albertsons Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Albertsons
Albertsons currently maintains its healthcare benefits through various insurance providers, including major players in the marketplace such as UnitedHealthcare and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. These partnerships allow Albertsons to offer healthcare options to its employees, catering to a diverse range of medical needs and preferences.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
In 2026, employees of Albertsons may face significant healthcare cost increases due to a combination of rising medical expenses and changes in insurance benefits. Many employers, including Albertsons, are anticipated to pass on greater costs to their employees by adjusting deductibles, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximums, reflecting a broader trend observed across the healthcare industry. This shift is compounded by steep premium hikes in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace, with projections indicating that out-of-pocket costs could surge by over 75% for many individuals if federal subsidies expire. As a result, workers should be proactive in reviewing their benefits and strategizing their healthcare options to mitigate the financial impacts anticipated in the coming year.
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'Albertsons 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.
'Albertsons 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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Albertsons 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 Albertsons 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 Albertsons 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 Albertsons 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 Albertsons.
📞 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 is the purpose of the 401(k) plan offered by Albertsons?
The 401(k) plan offered by Albertsons is designed to help employees save for retirement by allowing them to contribute a portion of their paycheck to a tax-advantaged account.
How can I enroll in the Albertsons 401(k) plan?
You can enroll in the Albertsons 401(k) plan by visiting the employee benefits portal or contacting the HR department for assistance with the enrollment process.
Does Albertsons match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Albertsons offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees grow their retirement savings more effectively.
What is the maximum contribution limit for the Albertsons 401(k) plan?
The maximum contribution limit for the Albertsons 401(k) plan is determined by IRS guidelines, which may change annually. Employees should check the latest limits for the current year.
Can I change my contribution percentage to the Albertsons 401(k) plan at any time?
Yes, employees can change their contribution percentage to the Albertsons 401(k) plan at any time, subject to the plan's rules and guidelines.
What investment options are available in the Albertsons 401(k) plan?
The Albertsons 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.
When can I access my funds from the Albertsons 401(k) plan?
Employees can access their funds from the Albertsons 401(k) plan upon reaching retirement age, or under certain circumstances such as hardship withdrawals or termination of employment.
Are there any fees associated with the Albertsons 401(k) plan?
Yes, there may be fees associated with the Albertsons 401(k) plan, including administrative fees and investment management fees. Employees should review the plan documents for detailed information.
What happens to my 401(k) savings if I leave Albertsons?
If you leave Albertsons, you have several options for your 401(k) savings, including rolling it over to another retirement account, leaving it in the plan, or cashing it out (though cashing out may incur taxes and penalties).
Does Albertsons offer financial education resources for 401(k) participants?
Yes, Albertsons provides financial education resources and tools to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) savings and investments.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Albertsons is one of the largest food and drug retailers in the US, offering a wide range of products and services through its extensive network of stores.
Albertsons offers stock options to eligible employees. The stock options vest over time, providing long-term incentives.
For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Albertsons at 250 Parkcenter Boulevard Boise, ID 83706; or by calling them at (208) 395-6200.
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