Why More Dana Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: For the company Dana, the healthcare provider is likely UnitedHealthcare. This insurer is known for offering a range of health coverage options, including plans in several ACA marketplaces.
Looking ahead to 2026, significant increases in healthcare costs are anticipated. Rising medical expenses, combined with the potential expiration of enhanced federal subsidies, could lead to steep premium hikes for ACA marketplace enrollees. Reports suggest that some states may experience increases exceeding 60%, resulting in many individuals facing more than 75% higher out-of-pocket costs. Such drastic changes could create considerable financial strain for millions, emphasizing the importance of proactive healthcare planning in 2025.
Click here to learn more
'Dana 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.
'Dana 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.
1
And for those with an FRA of 66, the increase if one waits until age 70 is closer to 32%.
1
Dana 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,
2
affecting many households and Dana 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.
3
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 Dana 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 Dana 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 Dana.
📞 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 Dana?
The 401(k) plan at Dana is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.
How does Dana match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Dana offers a matching contribution up to a certain percentage of the employee's salary, which helps to enhance the retirement savings.
When can employees at Dana enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Employees at Dana can enroll in the 401(k) plan during their initial onboarding period or during the annual open enrollment period.
What are the eligibility requirements for Dana's 401(k) plan?
To be eligible for Dana's 401(k) plan, employees must be at least 21 years old and have completed a minimum period of service with the company.
Can employees at Dana take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, Dana allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions.
What investment options are available in Dana's 401(k) plan?
Dana's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock.
How can employees at Dana access their 401(k) account information?
Employees can access their 401(k) account information through Dana's online benefits portal or by contacting the HR department.
What is the vesting schedule for Dana's 401(k) matching contributions?
Dana has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, meaning employees earn ownership of the matched funds over a specified period of service.
Can employees at Dana change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, employees at Dana can change their contribution percentage at any time, subject to the plan's guidelines.
What happens to the 401(k) savings if an employee leaves Dana?
If an employee leaves Dana, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) savings to another retirement account or withdraw the funds, subject to taxes and penalties.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
For Dana Inc., the primary pension plan was the "Dana Retirement Plan," which underwent significant changes in 2019 when Dana transferred its pension liabilities to insurance companies through annuity purchase agreements. This action involved securing pension obligations for plan participants without altering their benefits. The company has not made significant updates to its pension plan offerings since this transfer, focusing instead on fully funding existing obligations.
Regarding the 401(k) plan, Dana offers a competitive 401(k) with matching contributions. Employees can contribute up to 8% of their salary, with Dana providing a 4.5% match. This plan is available to all full-time employees. Dana emphasizes the stability and security of its retirement offerings, aligning with the company’s broader strategy to maintain financial health and meet its obligations.
Restructuring Layoffs: Dana Incorporated has been undergoing restructuring efforts in 2023 and 2024, which included several layoffs across different divisions to streamline operations and reduce costs. These layoffs are part of the company's strategy to remain competitive amid economic uncertainties and evolving market conditions. It's important to address this news because the current economic environment, characterized by high inflation and geopolitical tensions, requires companies to adjust their workforce to maintain financial stability. Benefit and Pension Changes: Dana has also made significant changes to its employee benefits and pension plans. In 2023, the company revised its pension formula and adjusted the contribution limits for 401(k) plans in response to the SECURE Act 2.0. The changes were made to align with new federal regulations and to provide more robust retirement options for employees. This news is crucial as the investment climate and tax regulations are evolving, and such changes directly impact employees' retirement planning. Employees should be aware of how these changes affect their future financial security and retirement readiness.
Dana Incorporated offers a variety of stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) as part of its compensation package to eligible employees. In 2022, 2023, and 2024, Dana continued to use stock options and RSUs to incentivize and retain key talent within the company. The specific stock options at Dana Incorporated are designed to allow employees to purchase shares at a predetermined price, often reflecting the stock price at the time of the grant. These options typically vest over a set period, ensuring that employees remain with the company to gain the full benefit.
RSUs at Dana Incorporated are another critical part of the company's equity compensation. RSUs are granted with a vesting schedule, where the employee receives shares after meeting specific service conditions, usually tied to the employee’s tenure or company performance. The company's RSUs do not require employees to pay an exercise price, unlike stock options, which is advantageous for employees as they are guaranteed the value of the shares upon vesting.
Eligibility for stock options and RSUs at Dana Incorporated is typically extended to employees who are in managerial or higher-level positions, though the exact criteria may vary by year and specific company needs. In 2022, 2023, and 2024, Dana continued to refine these programs to align employee incentives with company performance, which was evident in their continued financial growth and strategic achievements during these years.
The detailed information on these stock options and RSUs, along with the company's ongoing updates, can be found in Dana's annual reports and investor communications, specifically in documents like the 10-K filings. These reports typically outline the terms, eligibility criteria, and the vesting schedules for these equity-based compensation plans. For further details, reviewing the annual reports and quarterly earnings releases on Dana's official website is recommended.
In 2022, Dana, like many companies, faced increasing healthcare costs due to various factors, including inflation and the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. These challenges led to an emphasis on high-deductible health plans (HDHPs), which remained popular among employees, with a notable increase in the median in-network deductible for these plans. Dana also focused on behavioral health benefits, recognizing the importance of supporting employees' mental health in the post-pandemic era.
By 2023 and 2024, Dana continued to adapt its health benefits strategy by exploring self-insured health plans, a move aimed at giving the company more control over healthcare costs and the flexibility to tailor benefits to employees' needs. The company also highlighted the importance of accountable care organizations (ACOs) and personalized healthcare services, aiming to improve the quality of care while managing costs.
/General/General%202.png?width=1280&height=853&name=General%202.png)
-2.png?width=300&height=200&name=office-builing-main-lobby%20(52)-2.png)
.webp?width=300&height=200&name=office-builing-main-lobby%20(27).webp)
-2.png)
.webp)