Why More AutoNation Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: AutoNation Healthcare Provider and Cost Projections for 2026
Healthcare Provider for AutoNation: AutoNation partners with a variety of healthcare providers to offer comprehensive health insurance options to its employees, typically through large national insurers. These include major players in the healthcare marketplace, though specific provider details can vary by location and employee options.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: As we look ahead to 2026, AutoNation employees could face substantial increases in healthcare costs due to anticipated premium hikes in the ACA marketplace. Reports indicate that some states may experience premium increases of over 60%, primarily driven by the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies and rising medical costs. Experts predict that without these subsidies, many marketplace enrollees-over 22 million-could see out-of-pocket premium costs soar by more than 75%, creating significant financial strain on families, especially those relying on employer-sponsored insurance options through AutoNation.
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'AutoNation 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.
'AutoNation 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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AutoNation 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 AutoNation 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 AutoNation 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 AutoNation 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 AutoNation.
📞 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 AutoNation 401(k) Savings Plan?
The AutoNation 401(k) Savings Plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save for their future by contributing a portion of their paycheck to a tax-advantaged account.
How can AutoNation employees enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan?
AutoNation employees can enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan by accessing the enrollment portal through the company’s employee benefits website or by contacting HR for assistance.
What is the employer match for the AutoNation 401(k) Savings Plan?
AutoNation offers a competitive employer match for contributions made to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.
Can AutoNation employees change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, AutoNation employees can change their contribution percentage at any time by logging into their 401(k) account or by contacting HR.
What investment options are available in the AutoNation 401(k) Savings Plan?
The AutoNation 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.
Is there a vesting schedule for AutoNation’s employer contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, AutoNation has a vesting schedule for employer contributions, which means employees must work for a certain period to fully own the employer match.
What is the minimum age to participate in the AutoNation 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees must be at least 21 years old to participate in the AutoNation 401(k) Savings Plan.
How often can AutoNation employees make changes to their investment allocations in the 401(k) Savings Plan?
AutoNation employees can typically make changes to their investment allocations as frequently as they wish, subject to the plan's specific trading policies.
Are there any fees associated with the AutoNation 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, the AutoNation 401(k) Savings Plan may have administrative fees and investment-related fees, which are disclosed in the plan documents.
What happens to my AutoNation 401(k) Savings Plan if I leave the company?
If you leave AutoNation, you have several options for your 401(k) Savings Plan, including rolling it over to an IRA, transferring it to a new employer’s plan, or cashing it out.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
AutoNation has recently announced a significant restructuring plan, which includes layoffs and changes in employee benefits. The company is scaling down its operations to improve financial stability and adapt to changing market conditions. Additionally, there have been updates to their pension and 401(k) plans as part of this restructuring.
For more information you can reach the plan administrator for AutoNation at 200 SW 1st Ave #1600 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301; or by calling them at +1 954-769-6000.
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