Why More EnLink Midstream Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for EnLink Midstream:
EnLink Midstream primarily collaborates with health insurance providers to manage employee health benefits; however, specific healthcare providers associated with EnLink Midstream aren't publicly detailed in available resources.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases for EnLink Midstream in 2026:
As we look towards 2026, EnLink Midstream could face significant increases in healthcare costs driven by a perfect storm of economic factors. Affordability concerns are amplified by anticipated record hikes in ACA premiums, with some states seeing increases over 60%. The potential expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies may push out-of-pocket expenses for employees, causing premiums to rise by over 75% for many. This combination of escalating medical costs and regulatory changes could strain both company resources and employee health benefits, necessitating strategic adjustments in how EnLink approaches healthcare coverage.
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'EnLink Midstream 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.
'EnLink Midstream 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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EnLink Midstream 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 EnLink Midstream 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 EnLink Midstream 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 EnLink Midstream 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 EnLink Midstream.
📞 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 primary purpose of the 401(k) plan at EnLink Midstream?
The primary purpose of the 401(k) plan at EnLink Midstream is to help employees save for retirement by allowing them to contribute a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis.
How can employees enroll in the 401(k) plan at EnLink Midstream?
Employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan at EnLink Midstream by accessing the enrollment portal through the company's HR website or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
Does EnLink Midstream offer a company match for 401(k) contributions?
Yes, EnLink Midstream offers a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees increase their retirement savings.
What types of investment options are available in EnLink Midstream's 401(k) plan?
EnLink Midstream's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.
When can employees start contributing to the 401(k) plan at EnLink Midstream?
Employees at EnLink Midstream can start contributing to the 401(k) plan after they have completed their eligibility requirements, typically within their first few months of employment.
What is the maximum contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at EnLink Midstream?
The maximum contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at EnLink Midstream follows the IRS guidelines, which may change annually. Employees should check the current limits for the specific year.
Can employees take loans against their 401(k) balance at EnLink Midstream?
Yes, EnLink Midstream allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to the plan's terms and conditions.
What happens to an employee's 401(k) balance if they leave EnLink Midstream?
If an employee leaves EnLink Midstream, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash it out (which may incur penalties), or leave it in the EnLink Midstream plan if allowed.
Is there a vesting schedule for the company match in EnLink Midstream's 401(k) plan?
Yes, EnLink Midstream has a vesting schedule for the company match, meaning employees must work for a certain period before they fully own the matched contributions.
How often can employees change their contribution amounts in EnLink Midstream's 401(k) plan?
Employees at EnLink Midstream can typically change their contribution amounts at any time, subject to the plan's guidelines.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Eastman Chemical offers a comprehensive 401(k) plan that includes both traditional and Roth options. Employees at Eastman Chemical are automatically enrolled with a 7% deferral rate, with an annual "Auto Increase" feature that raises this rate by 1% each year until it reaches 10%. The company matches 50% of employee contributions up to 7%. Additionally, Eastman Chemical contributes a Retirement Savings Contribution (RSC), equivalent to 5% of the employee's RSC-eligible earnings, which is separate from employee contributions. Employees can further enhance their retirement savings through after-tax contributions, and they can utilize Roth in-plan conversions to potentially grow tax-free retirement income (MyEastmanBenefits) (MyEastmanBenefits).
Eastman Chemical's pension plan is a defined benefit plan, where employees accrue benefits based on a combination of years of service and age qualification. However, specific details about the pension formula, years of service, and age qualification were not available in the sources consulted, and further document review would be necessary to obtain this data.
Restructuring and Layoffs: In 2023, EnLink Midstream announced a strategic restructuring aimed at optimizing operations and reducing costs. This included a reduction in workforce to streamline management and enhance operational efficiency. The company cited market conditions and operational challenges as reasons for these changes. The layoffs were part of a broader initiative to align resources with strategic priorities.
Importance: Addressing this news is crucial given the current economic environment, where companies are under pressure to adapt to market fluctuations and regulatory changes. The impact of such restructuring on employees and stakeholders, especially in a volatile economic climate, underscores the importance of staying informed about these developments.
EnLink Midstream offers its employees various stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) as part of its executive compensation packages. The RSUs are awarded under the company's incentive plan, and eligibility extends to executives and key personnel who contribute to the company's growth (EnLink Midstream) (FinViz). EnLink Midstream employees receive these RSUs with vesting schedules typically tied to performance metrics and tenure within the company. Stock options are also available but are generally reserved for senior executives (EnLink Midstream) (EnLink Midstream).
EnLink Midstream's stock options and RSUs play a crucial role in aligning employee incentives with shareholder value. The company expanded its RSU awards in 2022, 2023, and 2024 to support long-term employee retention and performance (EnLink Midstream) (Stock Analysis). Senior management and key employees are the primary recipients of these stock options, with vesting conditions tied to financial milestones such as EBITDA growth
Benefits Overview: EnLink Midstream provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance. Employees can also access health savings accounts (HSAs), flexible spending accounts (FSAs), and various wellness programs.
Healthcare Terms:
HSA: Health Savings Account
FSA: Flexible Spending Account
EAP: Employee Assistance Program
For more information you can reach the plan administrator for EnLink Midstream at 1722 Routh St, Suite 1300 Dallas, TX 75201; or by calling them at (214) 953-9500.
https://www.thelayoff.com/
Further Information for EnLink Midstream* Employees
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