Why More Clean Harbors Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Clean Harbors
Clean Harbors partners with various healthcare providers to ensure the well-being of its employees, primarily utilizing Aetna Health for their health insurance plans. This partnership aims to offer comprehensive healthcare benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage tailored to meet the needs of their workforce.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
As 2026 approaches, Clean Harbors employees should brace for significant changes in healthcare costs. With healthcare premiums projected to rise sharply nationwide-some by over 60%-the burden may fall heavily on employees as employers adjust their benefit structures. Escalating medical costs and the potential expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies will likely lead to an increase in out-of-pocket expenses, compelling employees to adopt proactive measures in managing their healthcare choices. Staying informed and prepared for these adjustments will be crucial for navigating the financial challenges ahead.
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'Clean Harbors 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.
'Clean Harbors 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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Clean Harbors 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 Clean Harbors 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 Clean Harbors 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 Clean Harbors 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 Clean Harbors.
📞 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 Clean Harbors?
The 401(k) plan at Clean Harbors is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.
How can I enroll in Clean Harbors' 401(k) plan?
Employees can enroll in Clean Harbors' 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment form provided during onboarding or by accessing the employee benefits portal.
Does Clean Harbors match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Clean Harbors offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees grow their retirement savings.
What is the maximum contribution limit for Clean Harbors' 401(k) plan?
The maximum contribution limit for Clean Harbors' 401(k) plan follows the IRS guidelines, which may change annually. Employees should check the latest limits for accuracy.
Can I change my contribution percentage in Clean Harbors' 401(k) plan?
Yes, employees can change their contribution percentage at any time through the employee benefits portal or by contacting HR at Clean Harbors.
What investment options are available in Clean Harbors' 401(k) plan?
Clean Harbors' 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.
When can I access my funds from Clean Harbors' 401(k) plan?
Employees can access their funds from Clean Harbors' 401(k) plan upon reaching retirement age, or in the case of hardship or termination of employment, subject to IRS regulations.
How does Clean Harbors provide information about the 401(k) plan?
Clean Harbors provides information about the 401(k) plan through employee handbooks, the benefits portal, and periodic informational sessions.
Is there a vesting schedule for Clean Harbors' 401(k) matching contributions?
Yes, Clean Harbors has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, meaning employees must work for a certain period before they fully own the matched funds.
Can I take a loan against my 401(k) with Clean Harbors?
Yes, Clean Harbors allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to the plan's terms and conditions.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Clean Harbors announced a significant reduction in their workforce as part of a major restructuring initiative aimed at reducing operational costs. The company is also revising its employee benefit programs to streamline expenses. Additionally, changes are being made to their 401(k) matching contributions to align with the new financial strategies.
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