Why More ArcBest Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for ArcBest
ArcBest provides health insurance through a partnership with multiple insurance carriers, primarily using the services of UnitedHealthcare (UHC) along with several other insurers depending on the specific plan options available to their employees.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
In 2026, ArcBest employees and retirees may face significant healthcare cost increases as marketplace premiums are projected to surge, with some states experiencing hikes of more than 60%. The anticipated expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies poses a crucial risk, potentially leading to a staggering 75% rise in out-of-pocket premiums for many enrollees. As employers, including ArcBest, reconsider their benefit structures amidst rising medical costs and shrinking wage growth, employees should prepare for possible changes in deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. This evolving landscape underscores the importance of early planning and informed decision-making in navigating the forthcoming financial challenges related to healthcare coverage.
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'ArcBest 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.
'ArcBest 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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ArcBest 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 ArcBest 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 ArcBest 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 ArcBest 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 ArcBest.
📞 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 ArcBest 401(k) plan?
The ArcBest 401(k) plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck on a tax-deferred basis to help secure their financial future.
How can employees enroll in the ArcBest 401(k) plan?
Employees can enroll in the ArcBest 401(k) plan through the company’s benefits portal during open enrollment or within 30 days of their hire date.
Does ArcBest match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, ArcBest offers a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees grow their retirement savings.
What is the maximum contribution limit for the ArcBest 401(k) plan?
The maximum contribution limit for the ArcBest 401(k) plan follows the IRS guidelines, which may change annually. Employees should check the latest IRS limits for the current year.
When can employees start contributing to the ArcBest 401(k) plan?
Employees at ArcBest can start contributing to the 401(k) plan after they have completed their eligibility period, typically within their first month of employment.
What investment options are available in the ArcBest 401(k) plan?
The ArcBest 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.
Can employees take loans against their ArcBest 401(k) plan?
Yes, employees may have the option to take loans against their ArcBest 401(k) plan, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan document.
What happens to my ArcBest 401(k) if I leave the company?
If you leave ArcBest, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) balance to another retirement account, leave it in the ArcBest plan (if eligible), or cash it out, though cashing out may incur taxes and penalties.
How does ArcBest ensure the security of my 401(k) savings?
ArcBest takes the security of your 401(k) savings seriously by partnering with reputable financial institutions and implementing strong data protection measures.
Are there any fees associated with the ArcBest 401(k) plan?
Yes, there may be administrative fees associated with the ArcBest 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents provided to employees.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
ArcBest announced a strategic restructuring plan aimed at streamlining operations and improving efficiency. This plan includes workforce reductions across various departments. The company also plans to make adjustments to its employee benefits package to align with the new operational model.
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