Why More Continental Resources Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Continental Resources
Continental Resources typically offers healthcare coverage through major national insurers, with benefits administered by UnitedHealthcare. This enables the company to provide its employees with comprehensive health plans that include a range of medical services, preventive care, and wellness programs.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
As we approach 2026, Continental Resources, like many other employers, faces a significant surge in healthcare costs that are projected to rise by approximately 8.5%. This increase arises from a perfect storm of factors, including heightened medical expenses driven by inflation, the potential loss of enhanced federal subsidies, and substantial rate hikes from insurers. Without congressional action to extend subsidy programs, employees could see their out-of-pocket costs escalate dramatically, potentially exceeding 75% for many, placing further financial strain on individuals and families. With these developments, strategic planning for healthcare expenditures will be essential for both employers and employees moving forward.
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'Continental Resources 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.
'Continental Resources 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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Continental Resources 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 Continental Resources 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 Continental Resources 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 Continental Resources 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 Continental Resources.
📞 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 type of retirement savings plan does Continental Resources offer to its employees?
Continental Resources offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for retirement.
Does Continental Resources provide a matching contribution for its 401(k) plan?
Yes, Continental Resources provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.
How can employees at Continental Resources enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Employees at Continental Resources can enroll in the 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment process through the company’s HR portal.
What is the eligibility requirement for participating in Continental Resources' 401(k) plan?
Employees must be at least 21 years old and have completed a minimum period of service to be eligible for Continental Resources' 401(k) plan.
Can employees of Continental Resources choose how much they want to contribute to their 401(k) plan?
Yes, employees of Continental Resources can choose their contribution percentage, subject to IRS limits.
What investment options are available in the Continental Resources 401(k) plan?
The Continental Resources 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds.
How often can employees at Continental Resources change their 401(k) contributions?
Employees at Continental Resources can change their 401(k) contributions at any time, subject to payroll processing deadlines.
What happens to the 401(k) savings if an employee leaves Continental Resources?
If an employee leaves Continental Resources, they can roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account or take a distribution, subject to tax implications.
Does Continental Resources allow for loans against the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Continental Resources allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) plan, subject to specific terms and conditions.
Are there any fees associated with the Continental Resources 401(k) plan?
Yes, there may be administrative fees associated with the Continental Resources 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.
Restructuring Layoffs: In 2024, Continental Resources announced a significant restructuring plan, leading to the layoff of approximately 15% of its workforce. This decision is part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and reduce costs amid fluctuating oil prices.
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Continental Resources at 20 N. Broadway Oklahoma City, OK 73102; or by calling them at (405) 234-9000.
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