Why More Flowserve Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Flowserve
Flowserve Corporation partners with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield to provide healthcare plans and services for its employees. Anthem is noted for its extensive provider network and range of health insurance options, which includes access to various plans tailored to meet the diverse needs of Flowserve's workforce.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
As we approach 2026, healthcare costs are poised to escalate significantly, driven by expected record premium hikes in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. With premium increases averaging 18% and some states experiencing hikes exceeding 60%, the impact on Flowserve employees could be notable. The expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies adds to the financial burden, potentially resulting in out-of-pocket premium increases of over 75% for many workers, raising concerns about accessibility and affordability of essential healthcare services as we move into the next year.
Click here to learn more
'Flowserve 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.
'Flowserve 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
Flowserve 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 Flowserve 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 Flowserve 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 Flowserve 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 Flowserve.
📞 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 Flowserve offer to its employees?
Flowserve offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.
How can Flowserve employees enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Flowserve employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
Does Flowserve match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Flowserve offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.
What is the maximum contribution percentage that Flowserve employees can contribute to their 401(k)?
Flowserve employees can contribute up to the IRS limit, which is adjusted annually. Employees should check the latest guidelines for the current limit.
Are there any eligibility requirements for Flowserve employees to participate in the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Flowserve employees must meet certain eligibility requirements, such as a minimum length of service, to participate in the 401(k) plan.
Can Flowserve employees take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, Flowserve allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan.
What investment options are available in Flowserve's 401(k) plan?
Flowserve offers a variety of investment options in its 401(k) plan, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.
How often can Flowserve employees change their 401(k) contribution amounts?
Flowserve employees can change their 401(k) contribution amounts at designated times throughout the year, typically during open enrollment periods.
Is there a vesting schedule for Flowserve's 401(k) matching contributions?
Yes, Flowserve has a vesting schedule for its matching contributions, which determines when employees fully own those contributions.
Can Flowserve employees access their 401(k) funds before retirement?
Flowserve employees may access their 401(k) funds before retirement under certain circumstances, such as hardship withdrawals or loans.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Flowserve Corporation offers a Defined Benefit Pension Plan known as the Flowserve Corporation Pension Plan, which is a traditional pension plan. This plan provides a monthly retirement benefit to participants based on a formula that takes into account years of service and compensation. The normal retirement age is typically the time when these benefits begin, and the plan follows a "cash balance" formula. This means that the benefits are calculated similarly to those in a defined contribution plan, with the accrued benefit expressed in terms like a single sum distribution amount (QDRO.com).
The Flowserve 401(k) plan is another retirement benefit available to employees. The plan includes matching contributions, with Flowserve matching 75% of the employee's contributions up to 6% of their salary. Employees can contribute both pre-tax and Roth contributions to the 401(k). Catch-up contributions are available for employees over the age of 50. In 2023, the contribution limit for individuals under 50 was $22,500, while those over 50 could contribute an additional $7,500
Restructuring: In February 2023, Flowserve announced significant management changes as part of its ongoing restructuring efforts. This restructuring is aligned with its strategy to diversify, decarbonize, and digitize operations. The restructuring included executive shifts and operational changes aimed at improving efficiency and meeting the company's long-term sustainability goals.
Benefits and 401(k) Changes: Flowserve continues to offer comprehensive benefits, including retirement planning options such as 401(k) plans. While no major changes have been announced for 2024, the company maintains a robust benefits package designed to support its employees' financial well-being.
Flowserve Corporation provides stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) to its employees as part of its equity compensation program. The specific stock options and RSUs available to Flowserve employees are designed to incentivize long-term commitment and align employee interests with company performance.
For stock options, Flowserve typically grants options that allow employees to purchase company stock at a predetermined price, usually set at the market price on the grant date. These options generally vest over several years, meaning employees must remain with the company for a specific period before they can exercise the options. The company uses the acronym "ESOs" (Employee Stock Options) to refer to this program.
Regarding RSUs, Flowserve awards these units as a form of deferred compensation. RSUs do not require employees to purchase the stock; instead, the units are converted into actual shares once they vest, which occurs over a set period or upon meeting specific performance targets. These RSUs are often part of a broader performance-based incentive structure, ensuring that employees contribute to the company’s growth and success over the long term. The acronym "RSU" is used for Restricted Stock Units in Flowserve's compensation documents.
Flowserve provides a comprehensive range of health benefits designed to support the physical, mental, and financial well-being of its employees. The health benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with flexible spending accounts (FSA) and health savings accounts (HSA). The company also offers short- and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, and parental leave. Some of the healthcare-related terms associated with Flowserve include FSA, HSA, and AD&D (Accidental Death & Dismemberment) insurance. Benefits may vary depending on location and collective bargaining agreements
/General/General%206.png?width=1280&height=853&name=General%206.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)