Why More Fluor Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Fluor Corporation typically offers employee health benefits through various healthcare providers, depending on the location and specific employee benefit plans. However, specific details regarding their current healthcare provider can vary and may be subject to change.
Looking ahead to 2026, healthcare costs are poised for significant increases, particularly in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. Many states are projecting premium hikes exceeding 60%, with the possibility of average out-of-pocket costs rising by over 75% for the majority of enrollees due to the potential expiration of enhanced federal subsidies. This sharp escalation is driven by rising medical costs and strategic rate hikes from major insurers, which could substantially impact individuals and families relying on marketplace plans for their health coverage. As such, individuals must be proactive in understanding their options to mitigate these rising expenses.
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'Fluor 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.
'Fluor 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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Fluor 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 Fluor 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 Fluor 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 Fluor 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 Fluor.
📞 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 Fluor 401(k) plan?
The Fluor 401(k) plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save for retirement on a tax-deferred basis.
How can I enroll in Fluor's 401(k) plan?
You can enroll in Fluor's 401(k) plan by accessing the employee benefits portal or contacting the HR department for assistance.
Does Fluor offer a company match on 401(k) contributions?
Yes, Fluor offers a company match on 401(k) contributions, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.
What is the maximum contribution limit for Fluor's 401(k) plan?
The maximum contribution limit for Fluor's 401(k) plan is set by the IRS and may change annually; employees should check the latest guidelines for the current limit.
Can I change my contribution percentage in Fluor's 401(k) plan?
Yes, employees can change their contribution percentage at any time through the employee benefits portal or by contacting HR.
What investment options are available in Fluor's 401(k) plan?
Fluor's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.
When can I start withdrawing from my Fluor 401(k) plan?
Employees can typically start withdrawing from their Fluor 401(k) plan at age 59½, although there are specific rules and exceptions that may apply.
What happens to my Fluor 401(k) if I leave the company?
If you leave Fluor, you have several options for your 401(k), including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it with Fluor.
Does Fluor provide financial education regarding the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Fluor provides resources and financial education to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) savings.
Is there a loan option available through Fluor's 401(k) plan?
Yes, Fluor's 401(k) plan may allow employees to take out loans against their savings, subject to specific terms and conditions.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Fluor Corporation's 401(k) Plan:
Fluor's 401(k) plan, part of their Employee Savings Investment Plan (ESIP), allows employees to contribute a portion of their salary pre-tax, with Fluor offering a matching contribution. Employees become eligible for this plan immediately upon employment, and the company begins matching contributions after one year of service. The 401(k) plan is a vital part of Fluor's overall benefits package, designed to help employees save for retirement while receiving tax advantages.
Fluor Corporation's Pension Plan:
Fluor also provides a traditional pension plan to eligible employees. This defined benefit plan calculates retirement benefits based on a formula that considers years of service and final average pay. The specific details, such as age qualification and the pension formula, are detailed in the company's official benefits documents. Generally, employees need to have a minimum number of years of service and meet age requirements to qualify for full pension benefits upon retirement.
Restructuring and Layoffs: In 2023-2024, Fluor Corporation has faced significant changes, including ongoing restructuring efforts aimed at improving profitability and efficiency. These efforts have led to workforce reductions in certain segments, as the company adjusts to evolving market demands and economic pressures. Company Benefit and 401(k) Changes: Fluor has also been involved in a legal dispute over its 401(k) plan fees, reflecting increased scrutiny on retirement benefits. The company has reaffirmed its commitment to providing competitive benefits despite these challenges. It is crucial to address these developments because of the current economic, investment, tax, and political environment, which continues to impact corporate strategies and employee welfare.Pension Adjustments: While no drastic pension changes have been reported, Fluor's ongoing financial adjustments could influence future benefit structures, emphasizing the importance of staying informed on these issues. This news is essential for stakeholders, particularly in light of the shifting regulatory and economic landscape.**
Fluor Corporation has provided its employees with stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) as part of their compensation package, particularly in recent years, including 2022, 2023, and 2024. These equity compensation options are designed to align the interests of employees with those of shareholders, offering a way to benefit directly from the company's success.
Stock Options at Fluor typically allow employees to purchase company stock at a predetermined price, known as the exercise price. These options are often subject to a vesting period, meaning that employees must remain with the company for a certain duration before they can exercise these options. In 2023 and 2024, stock options have been increasingly granted to senior management and key personnel, reflecting the company's focus on retaining top talent during strategic transitions.
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) are also a significant part of Fluor's compensation strategy. RSUs represent a promise to deliver shares of Fluor's stock to employees upon the completion of a vesting period. Unlike stock options, RSUs do not require employees to purchase shares at an exercise price; instead, the shares are delivered outright once vested. In recent years, Fluor has utilized RSUs as a means to attract and retain high-level employees, particularly those involved in critical projects within the company's Energy and Urban Solutions segments.
Fluor Corporation offers a comprehensive range of health benefits to its employees, with updates and changes noted in the years 2022, 2023, and 2024. These benefits typically include medical, dental, and vision plans, along with wellness programs and mental health resources. Fluor's health plans often utilize industry-specific acronyms such as PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) and HSA (Health Savings Account), which are standard across many companies.
In recent years, Fluor has faced some challenges, including layoffs and shifts in business strategy, which have impacted employee morale and possibly influenced benefits offerings. For instance, the company has undergone layoffs, and there have been discussions about cost-cutting measures that may indirectly affect employee benefits, though specific details on how these might have impacted healthcare benefits have not been disclosed publicly.
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