Why More Crocs Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
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'Crocs 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.
'Crocs 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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Crocs 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 Crocs 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 Crocs 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 Crocs 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 Crocs.
📞 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 Crocs?
The 401(k) plan at Crocs is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save for their future with pre-tax contributions.
How can I enroll in the Crocs 401(k) plan?
Employees can enroll in the Crocs 401(k) plan by accessing the company’s benefits portal and following the enrollment instructions provided.
Does Crocs match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Crocs offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.
What is the vesting schedule for Crocs' 401(k) matching contributions?
The vesting schedule for Crocs' matching contributions typically follows a standard timeline, which employees can review in the benefits documentation.
Can I change my contribution percentage to the Crocs 401(k) plan?
Yes, employees at Crocs can change their contribution percentage at any time through the benefits portal.
What investment options are available in the Crocs 401(k) plan?
The Crocs 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.
Is there a minimum contribution requirement for the Crocs 401(k) plan?
Yes, Crocs may have a minimum contribution requirement, which employees should check in the plan details.
Can I take a loan from my Crocs 401(k) plan?
Yes, Crocs allows employees to take loans from their 401(k) accounts under certain conditions as outlined in the plan documents.
What happens to my Crocs 401(k) if I leave the company?
If you leave Crocs, you will have options regarding your 401(k) account, including rolling it over to another retirement account or cashing it out.
How often can I review my Crocs 401(k) account statements?
Crocs provides regular account statements, typically quarterly, allowing employees to review their 401(k) account performance.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
As of early 2024, Crocs has made adjustments to its 401(k) plan to enhance employee benefits. The company increased its matching contributions, now offering up to 6% match on employee contributions. Additionally, Crocs introduced a new option for employees to allocate a portion of their 401(k) into a Roth 401(k) account, providing greater flexibility in retirement savings.
Restructuring and Layoffs: In early 2023, Crocs announced a restructuring plan aimed at streamlining operations to focus on core markets and digital expansion. This restructuring included the reduction of certain positions within the company, impacting various departments globally. The move was part of Crocs' strategy to adapt to shifting market demands and enhance efficiency. Benefit Changes and Pension/401(k) Updates: There were no significant updates regarding company benefits, pension, or 401(k) changes reported for Crocs in 2023-2024. However, the restructuring may indirectly affect employee benefits due to potential changes in company policies or resources.
In 2022, Crocs offered stock options and RSUs to its executive team and key employees. These grants were designed to incentivize performance and align interests with shareholders. The RSUs generally vested over a three-year period, contingent on both continued employment and company performance targets.
Here’s the summary of Crocs' health benefits information and recent healthcare news:
Crocs Health Benefits Overview (2022-2024)
Benefits Information: Crocs offers a range of health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. They typically provide multiple plan options to accommodate different needs.
Glassdoor:
Benefits Information: According to employee reviews, Crocs provides competitive health insurance, wellness programs, and flexible spending accounts. Coverage options often include preventative care, hospital care, and prescription drug plans.
Indeed:
Benefits Information: Crocs employees have reported comprehensive health benefits, including health insurance plans, dental and vision coverage, and access to wellness programs. There are also reports of employer contributions to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).
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