Why More CBRE Group Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for CBRE Group
CBRE Group does not operate its own healthcare facility but partners with various healthcare providers to offer employee health benefits. This typically includes a variety of insurance options that may involve working with national insurers, enabling employees to access a diverse range of healthcare services.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
In 2026, healthcare woes are poised to intensify for CBRE Group employees as they may face substantial increases in out-of-pocket costs. The expiration of enhanced federal subsidies from the Affordable Care Act (ACA) could lead to premium hikes that exceed 60% in some states, significantly impacting the affordability of healthcare. Additionally, economic pressures and rising medical expenses are compelling employers, including CBRE, to adjust benefits structures, potentially transferring more healthcare costs to employees. Consequently, employees should proactively review their health plans and consider strategies to mitigate rising expenses in the coming year.
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'CBRE Group 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.
'CBRE Group 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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CBRE Group 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 CBRE Group 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 CBRE Group 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 CBRE Group 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 CBRE Group.
📞 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 401(k) plan offered by CBRE Group?
The 401(k) plan at CBRE Group is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary before taxes are taken out.
How can employees of CBRE Group enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Employees of CBRE Group can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
Does CBRE Group offer a matching contribution for the 401(k) plan?
Yes, CBRE Group offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.
What is the vesting schedule for CBRE Group's 401(k) matching contributions?
The vesting schedule for CBRE Group's matching contributions typically follows a standard schedule, which can be reviewed in the employee handbook or benefits portal.
Can employees of CBRE Group take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, CBRE Group allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan documents.
What investment options are available in CBRE Group's 401(k) plan?
CBRE Group offers a variety of investment options in its 401(k) plan, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.
Is there a minimum contribution requirement for the 401(k) plan at CBRE Group?
Yes, CBRE Group may have a minimum contribution requirement for employees wishing to participate in the 401(k) plan, which can be found in the plan documents.
How often can employees change their contribution amounts in CBRE Group's 401(k) plan?
Employees of CBRE Group can typically change their contribution amounts at any time, subject to the plan’s guidelines.
What happens to my 401(k) savings if I leave CBRE Group?
If you leave CBRE Group, you have several options for your 401(k) savings, including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it in the CBRE Group plan if allowed.
Are there any fees associated with CBRE Group's 401(k) plan?
Yes, there may be administrative or investment fees associated with CBRE Group's 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.
CBRE Group announced a reduction of its workforce by approximately 5% as part of a restructuring plan aimed at optimizing operations and reducing costs. The company also implemented changes to its benefits package, including adjustments to retirement contributions and healthcare benefits.
For more information you can reach the plan administrator for CBRE Group at 400 S. Hope St. Los Angeles, CA 90071; or by calling them at +1 213-613-3333.
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