Why More Dick's Sporting Goods Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Dick's Sporting Goods
Dick's Sporting Goods collaborates with various health insurance providers to offer healthcare benefits to its employees. Notably, UnitedHealthcare is among the primary healthcare providers for the company, offering various plans that cater to the diverse needs of its workforce.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
As we approach 2026, significant healthcare cost increases loom for Dick's Sporting Goods employees and retirees. With the anticipated expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium subsidies, individuals could face out-of-pocket premium hikes of over 75%. This dramatic shift is compounded by rising medical costs driven by inflation and a surge in demand for healthcare services, particularly in behavioral health. In states like New York, some insurers are requesting premium increases upwards of 66%, signaling a challenging year ahead for those relying on employer-sponsored insurance and ACA plans. As such, it is essential for employees to plan proactively to mitigate potential financial impacts.
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'Dick's Sporting Goods 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.
'Dick's Sporting Goods 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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Dick's Sporting Goods 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 Dick's Sporting Goods 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 Dick's Sporting Goods 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 Dick's Sporting Goods 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 Dick's Sporting Goods.
📞 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 Dick's Sporting Goods offer to its employees?
Dick's Sporting Goods offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for retirement.
Does Dick's Sporting Goods match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Dick's Sporting Goods provides a matching contribution to employee 401(k) plans, subject to certain limits.
What is the eligibility requirement to participate in Dick's Sporting Goods' 401(k) plan?
Employees at Dick's Sporting Goods typically become eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specific period of service, usually within the first year of employment.
How can employees at Dick's Sporting Goods enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Employees can enroll in the Dick's Sporting Goods 401(k) plan through the company's benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
What investment options are available in the Dick's Sporting Goods 401(k) plan?
The Dick's Sporting Goods 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.
Can employees at Dick's Sporting Goods take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, Dick's Sporting Goods allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions.
What happens to my 401(k) savings if I leave Dick's Sporting Goods?
If you leave Dick's Sporting Goods, you can roll over your 401(k) savings into another retirement account, cash out, or leave the funds in the Dick's Sporting Goods plan if eligible.
Is there a vesting schedule for the 401(k) matching contributions at Dick's Sporting Goods?
Yes, Dick's Sporting Goods has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, meaning employees must work for a certain period to fully own the matched funds.
How often can employees at Dick's Sporting Goods change their 401(k) contribution amounts?
Employees at Dick's Sporting Goods can typically change their 401(k) contribution amounts at any time, subject to the plan's rules.
Does Dick's Sporting Goods provide financial education resources for employees regarding the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Dick's Sporting Goods offers financial education resources and workshops to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) savings.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Dick's Sporting Goods offers a comprehensive retirement plan through the Dick's Sporting Goods, Inc. Smart Savings 401(k) Plan. This plan is a defined contribution plan that allows employees to defer part of their compensation into the plan. Employees at Dick's Sporting Goods can contribute a portion of their earnings to the 401(k), which is matched by the company. This plan is typically available to all eligible employees who are 21 years of age or older, with specific eligibility and vesting rules depending on the years of service and the role within the company (YCharts).
The pension plan details are integrated within the company's expense reporting, covering historical data on pension and employee expenses. While specific details about the pension formulas and age qualifications for eligibility in recent years are less explicitly outlined in publicly available documents, the company has consistently reported quarterly expenses related to pension and employee benefits. These figures suggest ongoing commitments to retirement benefits
Restructuring & Layoffs: In early 2024, Dick's Sporting Goods announced a restructuring plan involving a significant reduction in corporate office staff. This decision was influenced by ongoing economic uncertainties and changing consumer behavior. The company aims to streamline operations and improve efficiency in response to fluctuating market demands. Company Benefit Changes: As part of the restructuring, Dick's Sporting Goods adjusted several employee benefits. Changes include modifications to health insurance plans and adjustments to the company's 401k matching contributions. These updates were made to align with the company’s new financial strategy and to ensure sustainability amidst economic challenges. Pension & 401k Changes: Dick's Sporting Goods has also made changes to its pension plan. The company has shifted from a defined benefit plan to a defined contribution plan, impacting long-term retirement benefits for employees. Additionally, the 401k matching percentage was revised, reflecting the company's need to manage expenses more effectively in the current economic climate. Importance of Addressing This News: It is crucial to stay informed about these developments due to the current economic and investment climate, as well as ongoing political and tax changes. Understanding these changes helps employees navigate their financial planning and adjust to potential impacts on their retirement savings and benefits.
2022:Stock Options: Dick's Sporting Goods offered stock options to executives and certain employees as part of their compensation package. The stock options typically have a vesting period and are tied to performance metrics.
RSUs: Restricted Stock Units were granted to senior management and key employees. RSUs generally vest over a period of time, often tied to continued employment or specific performance goals.
2023:Stock Options: In 2023, Dick's Sporting Goods continued to provide stock options to its senior leadership team and other designated employees. The options were designed to align employee interests with company performance.
RSUs: RSUs were granted based on performance targets and time-based vesting schedules. They were available to high-level employees and those with critical roles.
2024:Stock Options: Dick's Sporting Goods expanded the eligibility for stock options in 2024 to include mid-level management. This aimed to incentivize broader employee participation.
RSUs: The company issued RSUs as part of a long-term incentive plan, with a focus on retaining top talent and rewarding performance. Eligibility extended to executives and select high-performing employees.
Dick's Sporting Goods Careers
Information to look for: Benefits section, employee health benefits, recent updates on healthcare policies.
Employee reviews and posts related to health benefits, updates shared by employees or HR.
Employee reviews focusing on health benefits, recent updates, and changes in healthcare plans.
Employee reviews, specific comments about health benefits, and updates on healthcare plans.
Additional Articles
Check Out Articles for Dick's Sporting Goods employees
For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Dick's Sporting Goods at 345 Court St Coraopolis, PA 15108; or by calling them at (724) 273-3400.
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