Why More Freeport-McMoRan Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Freeport-McMoRan
Freeport-McMoRan typically offers a variety of healthcare benefits to its employees, including coverage through major national insurers. Specific details about the primary insurance provider can vary by location and specific employee plans; however, large employers often collaborate with well-known insurers such as UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, or Anthem BlueCross BlueShield to manage their healthcare plans.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 for Freeport-McMoRan
As the healthcare landscape evolves, Freeport-McMoRan employees may face significant increases in out-of-pocket costs in 2026 due to multiple compounding factors. The looming expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium subsidies is set to expose millions to steep premium hikes, with some states anticipating increases of over 60%. Additionally, rising medical costs driven by inflation, especially in drug prices and services, could further stress employee budgets. Many employers, including Freeport-McMoRan, may also consider shifting more healthcare costs onto workers, resulting in higher deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums, thus highlighting the importance for employees to stay informed about their benefit options.
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'Freeport-McMoRan 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.
'Freeport-McMoRan 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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Freeport-McMoRan 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 Freeport-McMoRan 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 Freeport-McMoRan 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 Freeport-McMoRan 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 Freeport-McMoRan.
📞 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 Freeport-McMoRan 401(k) Savings Plan?
The Freeport-McMoRan 401(k) Savings Plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save for retirement on a tax-deferred basis.
How can I enroll in the Freeport-McMoRan 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can enroll in the Freeport-McMoRan 401(k) Savings Plan by completing the enrollment process online through the company's benefits portal.
What is the employer match for the Freeport-McMoRan 401(k) Savings Plan?
Freeport-McMoRan offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which may vary based on employee contributions and company policy.
Can I change my contribution rate to the Freeport-McMoRan 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, employees can change their contribution rate to the Freeport-McMoRan 401(k) Savings Plan at any time through the benefits portal.
What types of investments are available in the Freeport-McMoRan 401(k) Savings Plan?
The Freeport-McMoRan 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock.
When can I access my funds in the Freeport-McMoRan 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can access their funds in the Freeport-McMoRan 401(k) Savings Plan upon reaching retirement age, or in cases of hardship as defined by the plan.
Is there a vesting schedule for the Freeport-McMoRan 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, Freeport-McMoRan has a vesting schedule for employer contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which determines when employees fully own those contributions.
What happens to my Freeport-McMoRan 401(k) Savings Plan if I leave the company?
If you leave Freeport-McMoRan, you can roll over your 401(k) Savings Plan balance to another retirement account or withdraw the funds, subject to tax implications.
How often can I change my investment allocations in the Freeport-McMoRan 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can change their investment allocations in the Freeport-McMoRan 401(k) Savings Plan as often as they wish, typically through the benefits portal.
Does Freeport-McMoRan provide financial education for employees regarding the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, Freeport-McMoRan offers financial education resources and tools to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) Savings Plan.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Freeport-McMoRan offers its employees a comprehensive benefits package that includes both a pension plan and a 401(k) plan. The company operates a Company Paid Retirement Benefit Plan and a 401(k) plan called the Employee Capital Accumulation Program. Employees who meet the necessary years of service and age requirements are eligible for these benefits (Benefits Account Manager) (Jobs at Freeport McMoRan Inc..).
For the pension plan, Freeport-McMoRan requires that employees have at least two years of continuous service to become fully vested. The specific pension formula used in their defined benefit plan is based on final average pay. Employees must typically meet an age qualification of 65 to retire with full benefits
Restructuring and Layoffs: Freeport-McMoRan announced a series of restructuring measures in early 2023 as part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and reduce costs. This included a workforce reduction of approximately 5% across its global operations. The decision was influenced by fluctuating copper prices and the need to improve operational efficiency.
Importance: This news is crucial due to the current economic environment, which affects commodity prices and operational costs. Understanding these changes is essential for employees and investors, especially considering the broader economic and political factors that influence market stability.
Freeport-McMoRan offers stock options and RSUs to eligible employees, including executives and key management. For 2022, the company granted RSUs under their Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) and stock options under their Stock Incentive Plan (SIP). In 2023 and 2024, the company continued these practices, with updates available in their annual proxy statements.
Official Freeport-McMoRan Website:
Check the company’s HR or benefits page for detailed information on health benefits.
Industry and Financial News Websites:
Look at recent news from reputable sources like Bloomberg, Reuters, or Financial Times for any updates on employee healthcare benefits.
Employee Review and Information Websites:
Explore sites like Glassdoor or Indeed for employee reviews and feedback on health benefits.
Health Insurance Providers:
Search for information from health insurance companies that might partner with Freeport-McMoRan for employee benefits.
Company Reports and Publications:
Look for annual reports or employee benefits guides available through financial or business publications.
Steps and Websites for Detailed Search:
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