Why More Ares Management Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Provides medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with mental health benefits and flexible work arrangements 11.
With ACA premiums projected to rise 18% or more 2, Aress benefits may help employees avoid marketplace instability and maintain comprehensive coverage
Click here to learn more
'Ares Management 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.
'Ares Management 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.
1
And for those with an FRA of 66, the increase if one waits until age 70 is closer to 32%.
1
Ares Management 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,
2
affecting many households and Ares Management 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.
3
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 Ares Management 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 Ares Management 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 Ares Management.
📞 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 Ares Management's 401(k) plan?
The purpose of Ares Management's 401(k) plan is to help employees save for retirement by providing a tax-advantaged way to contribute a portion of their salary.
What types of contributions can employees make to Ares Management's 401(k) plan?
Employees can make pre-tax contributions, Roth (after-tax) contributions, and, if eligible, catch-up contributions to Ares Management's 401(k) plan.
Does Ares Management offer a company match for 401(k) contributions?
Yes, Ares Management offers a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, subject to specific terms and conditions.
How often can employees change their contribution amounts to Ares Management's 401(k) plan?
Employees can change their contribution amounts to Ares Management's 401(k) plan at any time, subject to plan rules.
What investment options are available in Ares Management's 401(k) plan?
Ares Management's 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 company match in Ares Management's 401(k) plan?
Yes, Ares Management has a vesting schedule for the company match, which determines when employees fully own the matched contributions.
What is the maximum contribution limit for Ares Management's 401(k) plan?
The maximum contribution limit for Ares Management's 401(k) plan is set by the IRS and may change annually; employees should check the current limit for the year.
Can employees take loans against their 401(k) balance at Ares Management?
Yes, Ares Management allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan.
What happens to an employee's 401(k) balance if they leave Ares Management?
If an employee leaves Ares Management, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account, leave it in the plan, or withdraw it, subject to tax implications.
How can employees access their 401(k) account information at Ares Management?
Employees can access their 401(k) account information through the Ares Management benefits portal or by contacting the plan administrator.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Ares Management has recently announced a restructuring plan aimed at streamlining operations and reducing overhead costs. This restructuring includes potential layoffs and changes to employee benefits as part of a broader effort to improve operational efficiency. It is crucial to address this news due to the current economic environment, where companies are making significant adjustments to adapt to shifting market conditions and regulatory changes. The investment climate is uncertain, and understanding these changes is vital for navigating financial planning and tax implications. Additionally, political decisions on economic policies may influence how these restructuring measures impact employees' retirement plans and benefits.
For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Ares Management at 2000 Avenue of the Stars Los Angeles, CA 90067; or by calling them at (310) 201-4100.
Further Information for Ares Management* Employees
/General/General%204.png?width=1280&height=853&name=General%204.png)
-2.png?width=300&height=200&name=office-builing-main-lobby%20(52)-2.png)
.webp?width=300&height=200&name=office-builing-main-lobby%20(27).webp)
-2.png)
.webp)