Why More Expedia Group Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Expedia Group's Healthcare Provider
Expedia Group primarily offers health benefits through a variety of healthcare providers, with specific partnerships often varying by location and employee choices. They typically utilize major insurers such as UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and others, ensuring a broad range of options for their employees. Such partnerships supply a variety of plans catering to the needs of their diverse workforce.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
As we look ahead to 2026, Expedia Group employees may face significant healthcare cost increases driven by a perfect storm of factors, including the anticipated expiration of enhanced subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). With some states projecting premium hikes exceeding 60%, the potential loss of these critical financial supports could result in average out-of-pocket costs spiking by 75% for many individuals. These rising costs are compounded by escalating medical expenses and aggressive rate hikes from major insurers, creating substantial financial challenges for both employees and retirees. As these shifts unfold, proactive healthcare budgeting and strategic planning become essential for employees to navigate the changing landscape effectively.
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'Expedia Group 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.
'Expedia Group 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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Expedia Group 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 Expedia Group 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 Expedia Group 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 Expedia Group 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 Expedia Group.
📞 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 Expedia Group offer to its employees?
Expedia Group offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.
Does Expedia Group match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Expedia Group provides a matching contribution to employee 401(k) plans, subject to certain limits.
What is the eligibility criteria for participating in Expedia Group's 401(k) plan?
Employees of Expedia Group are generally eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service.
How can employees at Expedia Group enroll in the 401(k) savings plan?
Employees can enroll in the Expedia Group 401(k) savings plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
What investment options are available in Expedia Group's 401(k) plan?
Expedia Group offers a variety of investment options in its 401(k) plan, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.
Can employees at Expedia Group take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, Expedia Group allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to the plan's rules and limits.
What is the vesting schedule for employer contributions in Expedia Group's 401(k) plan?
The vesting schedule for employer contributions at Expedia Group typically follows a graded vesting schedule, which employees can review in the plan documents.
How often can employees change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) plan at Expedia Group?
Employees at Expedia Group can change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) plan multiple times throughout the year, as allowed by the plan.
Does Expedia Group offer financial education resources for employees regarding their 401(k) plan?
Yes, Expedia Group provides financial education resources and tools to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) savings.
What happens to an employee's 401(k) savings if they leave Expedia Group?
If an employee leaves Expedia Group, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) savings to another retirement account, leave the funds in the current plan, or withdraw the funds, subject to applicable 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.
Expedia Group offers its employees a 401(k) plan and retirement savings options. Their 401(k) plan allows eligible employees to contribute pre-tax earnings, with the company providing a match for a portion of the contributions. According to the IRS limits, contributions in 2022 were capped at $20,500, in 2023 at $22,500, and in 2024 at $23,000 (Wikipedia) (Wikipedia). Expedia's retirement plan is primarily a defined contribution plan rather than a traditional defined benefit pension plan (Wikipedia).
Expedia employees become eligible for the 401(k) plan after meeting specific service requirements, and they can take advantage of company matching to boost their retirement savings (TIAA). For example, the plan may offer a match of up to 5% of salary depending on the employee’s contribution. Withdrawals from the plan without penalty are available after reaching the age of 59½, but hardship withdrawals are allowed under specific conditions, such as medical emergencies or home purchase
In 2023, Expedia Group announced a restructuring plan to streamline its operations and cut costs. This involved laying off around 10% of its workforce as part of an effort to improve operational efficiency and focus on its core businesses. The company cited the need to adapt to the changing travel industry landscape and economic pressures as reasons for these cuts.
Stock Option Acronym: SO
Description: Expedia Group offers stock options to its employees as part of its compensation package. Stock options typically vest over a period of time, providing employees with the opportunity to purchase company stock at a predetermined price.
Stock Option Availability: Available to a range of employees including executives and senior management. The options are often granted based on performance and tenure.
URL: Expedia Group Careers
Details: Look for sections related to employee benefits or health insurance. The official site usually has the most current and accurate information.
Glassdoor:
URL: Glassdoor Expedia Group Benefits
Details: Employee reviews and benefits information provided by current and former employees.
Indeed:
URL: Indeed Expedia Group Benefits
Details: Insights from employee reviews about health benefits and other compensation aspects.
LinkedIn:
URL: LinkedIn Expedia Group Careers
Details: Company profiles often include information about benefits and employee experiences.
Forbes or Business Insider:
URL: Search for relevant articles or news on Forbes or Business Insider
Details: Look for any recent articles discussing Expedia Group’s health benefits or employee compensation updates.
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