Why More General Motors Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for General Motors
General Motors (GM) primarily partners with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and other insurers for its employee healthcare plans. These partnerships provide a variety of health coverage options, including medical, dental, and vision care, designed to accommodate the diverse needs of its workforce.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
As we approach 2026, American consumers can expect significant challenges in healthcare costs driven by a confluence of factors, particularly in the context of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. Premiums are anticipated to rise sharply, with some states reporting increases as high as 60%. This surge is influenced by the potential expiration of enhanced federal subsidies that currently mitigate costs for millions of enrollees. Consequently, General Motors and other employers may face escalating expenses for providing employee health benefits, as many consumers could see out-of-pocket premiums increase dramatically, making it imperative for companies to strategically reassess their healthcare offerings to maintain affordability for their workforce.
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'General Motors 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.
'General Motors 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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General Motors 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 General Motors 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 General Motors 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 General Motors 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 General Motors.
📞 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 401(k) plan offered by General Motors?
The 401(k) plan offered by General Motors is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.
How does General Motors match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
General Motors typically matches a percentage of employee contributions up to a certain limit, which helps boost retirement savings.
Can employees of General Motors choose how their 401(k) contributions are invested?
Yes, employees of General Motors can choose from a variety of investment options for their 401(k) contributions, including stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.
What is the eligibility requirement for General Motors' 401(k) plan?
Employees of General Motors are generally eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a certain period of service, which may vary by employment status.
Does General Motors offer a Roth 401(k) option?
Yes, General Motors offers a Roth 401(k) option, allowing employees to make after-tax contributions to their retirement savings.
How can General Motors employees enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Employees can enroll in the General Motors 401(k) plan through the company’s benefits portal or by contacting their HR representative.
What is the contribution limit for General Motors' 401(k) plan?
The contribution limit for General Motors' 401(k) plan is subject to IRS guidelines, which can change annually. Employees should check the current limits for the specific year.
Are there any fees associated with General Motors' 401(k) plan?
Yes, General Motors' 401(k) plan may have administrative fees and investment-related fees, which are disclosed in the plan documents.
Can General Motors employees take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, General Motors allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to certain terms and conditions.
What happens to a General Motors employee's 401(k) if they leave the company?
If a General Motors employee leaves the company, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account, leave it in the General Motors plan, or cash it out, subject to 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.
General Motors offers a defined benefit pension plan for both salaried and hourly employees. GM also provides a 401(k) plan with company matching contributions.
General Motors offers RSUs to its executives and eligible employees. RSUs vest over a three to four-year period, promoting long-term performance and alignment with company goals.
For more information you can reach the plan administrator for General Motors at 1 general mills blvd Golden Valley, MN 55426; or by calling them at 1-800-248-7310.
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