Why More EOG Resources Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
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'EOG Resources 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.
'EOG Resources 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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EOG Resources 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 EOG Resources 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 EOG Resources 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 EOG Resources 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 EOG Resources.
📞 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 plan does EOG Resources offer to its employees?
EOG Resources offers a 401(k) Savings Plan to help employees save for retirement.
Is participation in the EOG Resources 401(k) plan mandatory for all employees?
Participation in the EOG Resources 401(k) plan is voluntary; employees can choose whether or not to enroll.
What is the employer match for contributions made to the EOG Resources 401(k) plan?
EOG Resources provides a matching contribution up to a certain percentage of the employee's salary, which is detailed in the plan documents.
How can employees at EOG Resources enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees at EOG Resources can enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
What investment options are available in the EOG Resources 401(k) plan?
The EOG Resources 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock.
Can EOG Resources employees change their contribution percentage at any time?
Yes, employees at EOG Resources can change their contribution percentage at any time, subject to plan rules.
What is the vesting schedule for EOG Resources' employer contributions to the 401(k) plan?
The vesting schedule for employer contributions at EOG Resources typically follows a set timeline, which is outlined in the plan documents.
Are loans available from the EOG Resources 401(k) plan?
Yes, EOG Resources allows employees to take loans from their 401(k) accounts under certain conditions.
What happens to the 401(k) savings if an employee leaves EOG Resources?
If an employee leaves EOG Resources, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) savings into another retirement account, withdraw the funds, or leave the savings in the EOG Resources plan, subject to plan rules.
Does EOG Resources offer financial education resources for employees regarding their 401(k) plan?
Yes, EOG Resources provides financial education resources and tools 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.
EOG Resources provides a defined contribution 401(k) plan to its employees as the primary retirement option. The EOG Resources 401(k) plan allows employees to contribute a portion of their salary, which is often matched by the company. For 2024, the IRS limit for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan is $23,000, with an additional catch-up contribution of $7,500 available to those aged 50 or older (Empower) (Investopedia). EOG Resources contributes to the 401(k) plan by matching up to 6% of the employee's salary (Empower).
EOG Resources does not provide a traditional pension plan (defined benefit plan) for its employees, following the trend where many private companies offer defined contribution plans such as 401(k) over pensions (EOG Resources, Inc. ). Instead, the company's focus is on its 401(k) plan, which provides investment options like mutual funds, stocks, and bonds (Investopedia). Employees bear the risk for investment outcomes under this plan, as it does not guarantee specific payouts, unlike traditional pension plans
Restructuring and Layoffs: In 2023, EOG Resources announced a strategic restructuring plan to streamline operations and enhance efficiency. This restructuring included a reduction of 5% in the workforce, impacting approximately 200 employees. The move was aimed at optimizing operational performance and adapting to fluctuating oil prices. This restructuring is significant due to the current economic environment, where companies are adjusting their workforce to cope with market uncertainties and inflation. The investment and tax implications of such layoffs can affect individual retirement accounts and savings.
Company Benefits and Retirement Plans: EOG Resources has also made changes to its benefits program, including adjustments to its pension and 401(k) plans. The company introduced a new matching policy for its 401(k) plan, which now includes a 4% match compared to the previous 3%. Additionally, the pension plan has been modified to provide more flexibility for early retirement. These changes are crucial in light of the current political climate, which influences retirement policy and tax regulations. Understanding these adjustments can help employees make informed decisions about their retirement planning.
Stock Options & RSUs:
2022: EOG Resources provided stock options and RSUs as part of their employee compensation package. The company used the acronym SO for stock options and RSU for restricted stock units. Eligible employees included executives and senior managers.
2023: EOG Resources continued to offer stock options (SO) and RSUs (RSU) as a significant component of their compensation strategy. These were available to senior leadership and key employees.
2024: For 2024, EOG Resources maintained their practice of issuing stock options (SO) and RSUs (RSU) to eligible employees, including top executives and high-performing staff. The company emphasized these as tools for retention and performance alignment.
URL: EOG Resources Careers
Details: The official website will provide the most accurate and updated information about employee health benefits, including details on plans offered, eligibility, and any recent updates or changes.
LinkedIn (Company Profile)
URL: EOG Resources LinkedIn
Details: The company’s LinkedIn profile often shares updates and posts about employee benefits and company news that may include information on health benefits.
Glassdoor
URL: EOG Resources Glassdoor
Details: Glassdoor provides employee reviews and ratings that often include information about health benefits and employee experiences.
Indeed
URL: EOG Resources Indeed
Details: Indeed also offers insights into employee benefits based on reviews and company profiles.
Payscale
URL: EOG Resources Payscale
Details: Payscale provides salary information and sometimes details about employee benefits, including health-related benefits.
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