Why More Graphic Packaging Holding Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Graphic Packaging Holding
Graphic Packaging Holding offers a 401(k) retirement plan, and while specific health insurance providers for the company are not explicitly detailed in public sources, employees often have access to various plans compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Employees should consult with their HR department or benefits administrator for precise details regarding their healthcare provider options.
Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
As 2026 approaches, Graphic Packaging Holding employees face potential healthcare cost increases due to significant projected hikes in ACA marketplace premiums. Reports indicate that many insurers are raising rates significantly, with some states anticipating increases exceeding 60%. Compounding the challenge are the potential expiration of enhanced federal subsidies, which could result in over 75% of enrollees experiencing sharp out-of-pocket premium increases. As a result, employees must proactively strategize their healthcare choices to mitigate the impact of these escalating costs and explore their benefits early to ensure affordability.
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'Graphic Packaging Holding 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.
'Graphic Packaging Holding 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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Graphic Packaging Holding 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 Graphic Packaging Holding 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 Graphic Packaging Holding 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 Graphic Packaging Holding 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 Graphic Packaging Holding.
📞 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 Graphic Packaging Holding offer to its employees?
Graphic Packaging Holding offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.
Does Graphic Packaging Holding provide a company match for contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Graphic Packaging Holding offers a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, subject to specific terms and conditions.
At what age can employees of Graphic Packaging Holding start participating in the 401(k) plan?
Employees of Graphic Packaging Holding can typically start participating in the 401(k) plan after they reach the age of 21.
How can employees of Graphic Packaging Holding enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Employees of Graphic Packaging Holding can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the companys HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
What is the maximum employee contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at Graphic Packaging Holding?
The maximum employee contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at Graphic Packaging Holding is set by the IRS and may change annually; employees should check the latest guidelines.
Does Graphic Packaging Holding allow employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, Graphic Packaging Holding allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific plan rules.
Can employees of Graphic Packaging Holding change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, employees of Graphic Packaging Holding can change their contribution percentage at any time, following the plans guidelines.
What investment options are available in the Graphic Packaging Holding 401(k) plan?
The Graphic Packaging Holding 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds and target-date funds, among others.
Is there a vesting schedule for the company match in the 401(k) plan at Graphic Packaging Holding?
Yes, Graphic Packaging Holding has a vesting schedule for the company match, which determines when employees fully own the matched contributions.
How can employees of Graphic Packaging Holding access their 401(k) account information?
Employees of Graphic Packaging Holding can access their 401(k) account information online through the plans designated website or mobile app.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Pension Plan Name: Graphic Packaging Holding Pension Plan
Pension Formula: The pension benefit is calculated based on a formula that includes years of service and the average of the highest five consecutive years of salary.
Eligibility: Employees must have at least 5 years of service and be 55 years old to qualify for retirement benefits.
401(k) Plan Name: Graphic Packaging Holding 401(k) Plan
401(k) Eligibility: Employees are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after 90 days of employment.
Restructuring and Layoffs: In 2023, Graphic Packaging Holding announced a significant restructuring initiative aimed at optimizing its manufacturing operations. This included the closure of certain facilities and a reduction in workforce by approximately 10%. This move was part of a broader effort to streamline operations and reduce costs in response to shifting market demands and increased competition.
Company Benefits Changes: The company has also revised its benefits package in light of the restructuring. Changes include adjustments to health insurance plans and alterations in retirement plan contributions. These modifications are intended to align the benefits structure with the new organizational framework and economic conditions.
Graphic Packaging Holding Stock Options (GPK Options):
2022: GPK offered stock options primarily to senior executives and key employees as part of their compensation package. The options were usually granted with a vesting period of 3-4 years.
2023: GPK revised their stock option grants to include more mid-level management positions in addition to senior executives. The options were granted with performance-based vesting criteria.
2024: GPK continued to offer stock options, now including a broader range of employees in key operational roles. Vesting periods remained consistent with prior years.
1. Company's Official Website
Website: Graphic Packaging Holding - Careers & Benefits
Navigate to: The careers section or benefits page on the official website.
Search for: Health benefits, healthcare terms, acronyms, and any relevant updates.
2. General Search Engines
Sources: Google, Bing, Yahoo
Search for: “Graphic Packaging Holding health benefits 2022 2023 2024”
Keywords to look for: Health insurance, wellness programs, employee assistance programs, health savings accounts (HSAs), flexible spending accounts (FSAs), and any specific healthcare terms or acronyms used by the company.
3. Employee Review Sites
Websites:
Glassdoor (Glassdoor)
Indeed (Indeed)
Comparably (Comparably)
Search for: Reviews or employee feedback on health benefits.
Look for: Insights on benefits from current or past employees, including satisfaction levels and specifics about health plans.
4. News Websites
Websites:
Bloomberg (Bloomberg)
Reuters (Reuters)
CNBC (CNBC)
Search for: Recent news articles or press releases related to Graphic Packaging Holding's employee benefits and healthcare.
Keywords to use: Employee healthcare changes, benefits adjustments, healthcare coverage updates.
5. Industry Reports and Publications
Sources:
Business Insider (Business Insider)
HR Dive (HR Dive)
SHRM (SHRM)
Search for: Industry-specific reports on employee benefits that may include information on Graphic Packaging Holding.
Keywords to use: Employee benefits trends, healthcare benefits in manufacturing, company-specific benefit analyses.
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