Why More Archer Daniels Midland Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Archer Daniels Midland (ADM)
Archer Daniels Midland primarily partners with Aetna as its healthcare provider for offering employee health benefits. This arrangement aids in delivering comprehensive health insurance coverage for its employees, ensuring access to necessary medical services.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
Archer Daniels Midland employees may face notable increases in healthcare costs in 2026 as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace anticipates significant premium hikes. With projections indicating that some states may see increases surpassing 60%, many employees could see their out-of-pocket expenses soar, particularly if enhanced federal subsidies expire. Consequently, financial pressures may prompt ADM to adjust its employee benefit structures, potentially leading to higher deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums, thereby making it crucial for employees to evaluate their healthcare options and budgeting strategies early.
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'Archer Daniels Midland 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.
'Archer Daniels Midland 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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Archer Daniels Midland 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 Archer Daniels Midland 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 Archer Daniels Midland 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 Archer Daniels Midland 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 Archer Daniels Midland.
📞 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 Archer Daniels Midland 401(k) plan?
The Archer Daniels Midland 401(k) plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary on a tax-deferred basis.
How does Archer Daniels Midland match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Archer Daniels Midland provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, typically matching a percentage of employee contributions up to a certain limit.
What types of investment options are available in the Archer Daniels Midland 401(k) plan?
The Archer Daniels Midland 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock.
When can employees at Archer Daniels Midland start contributing to the 401(k) plan?
Employees at Archer Daniels Midland can start contributing to the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of employment, usually within the first few months.
Is there a limit to how much I can contribute to the Archer Daniels Midland 401(k) plan?
Yes, the IRS sets annual contribution limits for 401(k) plans, and Archer Daniels Midland adheres to these limits.
Can I take a loan against my 401(k) plan at Archer Daniels Midland?
Yes, Archer Daniels Midland allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to certain conditions and limits.
What happens to my Archer Daniels Midland 401(k) account if I leave the company?
If you leave Archer Daniels Midland, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) account to another retirement plan, cash it out, or leave it with Archer Daniels Midland.
Does Archer Daniels Midland offer financial education resources for 401(k) participants?
Yes, Archer Daniels Midland provides financial education resources, including workshops and online tools, to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) savings.
How often can I change my investment options in the Archer Daniels Midland 401(k) plan?
Employees can typically change their investment options in the Archer Daniels Midland 401(k) plan at any time, subject to the plans specific rules.
Are there any fees associated with the Archer Daniels Midland 401(k) plan?
Yes, there may be administrative fees and investment-related fees associated with the Archer Daniels Midland 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
ADM offers a comprehensive retirement program including a traditional defined benefit pension plan and a 401(k) savings plan. The pension plan provides vested benefits after three years of service, with payouts as lump sums upon retirement. The 401(k) plan includes a company match.
News: ADM might experience more hiring through its contractors as a Kansas electric company stops providing services to them (TheLayoff.com). Importance: This could signify a shift in the workforce structure, impacting job stability and service continuity amid economic uncertainties.
ADM provides RSUs to its executives and key employees. The RSUs generally vest over a period of three years, promoting retention and aligning interests with long-term company performance.
Additional Articles
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Archer Daniels Midland at 77 W Wacker Dr, Suite 4600 Chicago, IL 60601; or by calling them at (312) 634-8100.
Further Information for Archer Daniels Midland* Employees
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