Why More Domino's Pizza Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Domino's Pizza:
Domino's Pizza primarily offers health insurance coverage to its employees through UnitedHealthcare, one of the largest health insurance providers in the United States.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026:
In 2026, Domino's Pizza and its employees may face significant increases in healthcare costs, aligned with projected surges in Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace premiums, which are expected to rise by an average of 18%, with some states seeing hikes over 60%. Factors contributing to these increases include the expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies that currently assist many employees, thereby potentially raising out-of-pocket costs sharply-by over 75% for some individuals. As medical costs continue to climb, these challenges could place a financial strain on both the company and its workforce, possibly affecting employee retention and satisfaction.
Click here to learn more
'Domino's Pizza 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.
'Domino's Pizza 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
Domino's Pizza 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 Domino's Pizza 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 Domino's Pizza 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 Domino's Pizza 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 Domino's Pizza.
📞 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 Domino's Pizza?
The 401(k) plan at Domino's Pizza is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.
How can employees of Domino's Pizza enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Employees can enroll in the Domino's Pizza 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment process through the company's benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
Does Domino's Pizza match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Domino's Pizza offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees grow their retirement savings.
What is the maximum contribution limit for the Domino's Pizza 401(k) plan?
The maximum contribution limit for the Domino's Pizza 401(k) plan follows the IRS guidelines, which can change annually. Employees should check the current limits for the year.
Can employees of Domino's Pizza take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, Domino's Pizza allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to certain terms and conditions outlined in the plan documents.
What investment options are available in the Domino's Pizza 401(k) plan?
The Domino's Pizza 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to help employees diversify their portfolios.
How often can employees change their contribution percentage in the Domino's Pizza 401(k) plan?
Employees can change their contribution percentage to the Domino's Pizza 401(k) plan at any time, typically through the benefits portal or by contacting HR.
What happens to my 401(k) savings if I leave Domino's Pizza?
If you leave Domino's Pizza, you have several options for your 401(k) savings, including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it in the Domino's Pizza plan if allowed.
Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in the Domino's Pizza 401(k) plan?
Yes, the employer match in the Domino's Pizza 401(k) plan may be subject to a vesting schedule, which means employees must work for a certain period before they fully own the matched funds.
How can employees monitor their 401(k) accounts with Domino's Pizza?
Employees can monitor their 401(k) accounts through the online benefits portal provided by Domino's Pizza, where they can view balances, investment performance, and make changes.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Domino's Pizza offers a 401(k) savings plan for its employees, known as the Domino's Pizza 401(k) Savings Plan. This plan has been in place since 1984 and provides several benefits, including an employer match. In 2022, the employer match rate was approximately 57.53% of employee contributions, with a total allocation of $12,901,384 towards matching contributions. The plan's total assets by the end of 2022 were $353,603,679, with an average participant account value of $25,666.
This 401(k) plan is the primary retirement savings vehicle for Domino's Pizza employees, allowing participants to defer a portion of their salary, with Domino's providing matching contributions to support employee retirement goals. The plan includes features like default investments for those who do not select their own options.
As for the company's pension plans, specific details regarding eligibility, years of service, and age qualifications were not prominently featured in the sources. The primary focus appears to be on the 401(k) savings plan, which acts as the main retirement plan for employees.
News: In 2023-2024, Domino's Pizza faced several significant changes. The company experienced a decline in global revenue, with a reported 1% drop in the last quarter of 2023. This shortfall was attributed to staffing shortages, which led to reduced store hours and affected customer service. Additionally, the CEO, Ritch Allison, announced his retirement in early 2024, with Russell Weiner taking over as the new CEO. These changes were compounded by ongoing challenges such as higher costs and labor shortages, which have strained the company's operational efficiency. Importance: It is critical to address this news because the current economic environment is challenging for businesses, especially with rising operational costs and labor market volatility. Understanding these changes is vital for stakeholders, particularly in light of the ongoing shifts in consumer behavior, tax implications, and investment strategies as the company navigates these economic challenges.
For Domino's Pizza, stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) have been consistently offered to employees, particularly focusing on higher-level management. The stock options are typically tied to performance metrics and vest over a specific period, while RSUs are generally awarded based on continued employment. The latest information for 2022, 2023, and 2024 shows that both stock options and RSUs continue to be integral parts of Domino's compensation strategy, with eligibility primarily for executives and key personnel.
Domino's Pizza offers a range of health benefits to its employees, which have been tailored to meet the needs of different worker categories, including full-time and part-time team members. For the years 2022, 2023, and 2024, these benefits include standard healthcare offerings such as medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as more specialized options like health savings accounts (HSAs) and wellness programs aimed at promoting overall well-being.
A key aspect of Domino's health benefits strategy is transparency in coverage, which is highlighted through their adherence to the Transparency in Coverage rules, allowing employees to access detailed information about their healthcare plans. This initiative is part of Domino's broader commitment to "putting people first," as outlined in their stewardship reports from 2022 and 2023.
Domino's has also been proactive in addressing rising healthcare costs, a common concern across the industry. In 2023, the company faced higher insurance costs, which were one of the contributing factors to increased labor expenses. Despite these challenges, Domino's has worked to maintain a competitive benefits package to support its employees' health and well-being.
Recent developments in employee healthcare include adjustments to insurance premiums and a focus on mental health resources, reflecting broader trends in the corporate benefits landscape. Additionally, Domino's has been updating its employee resources and communication channels to ensure that team members are fully informed about their health benefits and how to utilize them effectively.
For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Domino's Pizza at 30 Frank Lloyd Wright Dr Ann Arbor, MI 48106; or by calling them at (734) 930-3030.
/General/General%203.png?width=1280&height=853&name=General%203.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)