Why More Autoliv Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Autoliv
For Autoliv employees, the primary healthcare provider associated with their benefits package is Blue Cross Blue Shield. Employees may access various plans under this provider, which often include options tailored to meet a range of healthcare needs.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
As Autoliv employees prepare for 2026, they should brace for potential healthcare costs significantly increasing due to various market pressures. Premium rates in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace are projected to rise sharply, with some states experiencing hikes of over 60%. Additionally, the expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies will likely result in over 75% of enrollees facing much higher out-of-pocket premiums. This one-two punch of soaring insurer rate hikes and lost subsidies means Autoliv employees may see a substantial increase in their healthcare expenses, requiring careful planning and benefit assessment to mitigate financial strains in the coming year.
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'Autoliv 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.
'Autoliv 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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Autoliv 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 Autoliv 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 Autoliv 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 Autoliv 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 Autoliv.
📞 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 Autoliv's 401(k) Savings Plan?
The purpose of Autoliv's 401(k) Savings Plan is to help employees save for retirement by allowing them to contribute a portion of their salary to a tax-advantaged account.
How can I enroll in Autoliv's 401(k) Savings Plan?
You can enroll in Autoliv's 401(k) Savings Plan by completing the enrollment process through the company's benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
Does Autoliv offer a company match for contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, Autoliv offers a company match for contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.
What are the contribution limits for Autoliv's 401(k) Savings Plan?
The contribution limits for Autoliv's 401(k) Savings Plan are set annually by the IRS, and employees should refer to the plan documents or HR for the current limits.
Can I change my contribution amount to Autoliv's 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, you can change your contribution amount to Autoliv's 401(k) Savings Plan at any time, typically through the benefits portal or by contacting HR.
When can I start withdrawing from my Autoliv 401(k) Savings Plan?
You can start withdrawing from your Autoliv 401(k) Savings Plan without penalties at age 59½, although you may be able to take loans or hardship withdrawals earlier under certain conditions.
What investment options are available in Autoliv's 401(k) Savings Plan?
Autoliv's 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds and target-date funds, allowing employees to choose investments that align with their retirement goals.
Is there a vesting schedule for Autoliv's 401(k) company match?
Yes, Autoliv has a vesting schedule for the company match in the 401(k) Savings Plan, which determines how much of the matched contributions you own based on your years of service.
How often can I review my investment choices in Autoliv's 401(k) Savings Plan?
You can review and change your investment choices in Autoliv's 401(k) Savings Plan at any time, typically through the plan's online platform.
What happens to my Autoliv 401(k) Savings Plan if I leave the company?
If you leave Autoliv, you can roll over your 401(k) Savings Plan balance to another retirement account, cash it out, or leave it in the plan if you meet certain criteria.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
News: Autoliv has announced a restructuring plan to optimize its operations, which includes layoffs and consolidations across several global locations. Importance: This restructuring is crucial to monitor due to its impact on employment and benefits within the company, reflecting broader trends in the automotive industry as companies adjust to economic uncertainties and evolving market demands. Additionally, these changes could influence pension and 401(k) plans, making it essential for stakeholders to stay informed.
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