Why More H.B. Fuller Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
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'H.B. Fuller 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.
'H.B. Fuller 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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H.B. Fuller 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 H.B. Fuller 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 H.B. Fuller 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 H.B. Fuller 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 H.B. Fuller.
📞 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 H.B. Fuller 401(k) Savings Plan?
The H.B. Fuller 401(k) Savings Plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save and invest a portion of their paycheck for retirement.
How can I enroll in the H.B. Fuller 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can enroll in the H.B. Fuller 401(k) Savings Plan by completing the enrollment process through the company’s benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
Does H.B. Fuller match employee contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, H.B. Fuller offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which helps employees boost their retirement savings.
What is the maximum contribution I can make to the H.B. Fuller 401(k) Savings Plan?
The maximum contribution limit for the H.B. Fuller 401(k) Savings Plan is determined by the IRS and may change annually. Employees should check the latest IRS guidelines for the current limit.
When can I start contributing to the H.B. Fuller 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can start contributing to the H.B. Fuller 401(k) Savings Plan after they have completed the eligibility requirements set by the company.
How does H.B. Fuller’s matching contribution work?
H.B. Fuller typically matches a percentage of employee contributions up to a certain limit, which is outlined in the plan documents. Employees should refer to these documents for specific details.
Can I change my contribution amount to the H.B. Fuller 401(k) Savings Plan at any time?
Yes, employees can change their contribution amounts to the H.B. Fuller 401(k) Savings Plan at any time, subject to the plan’s guidelines.
What investment options are available in the H.B. Fuller 401(k) Savings Plan?
The H.B. Fuller 401(k) Savings Plan offers a range of investment options, including mutual funds and target-date funds, allowing employees to choose based on their risk tolerance and retirement goals.
Is there a vesting schedule for H.B. Fuller’s matching contributions?
Yes, H.B. Fuller has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, which means employees must work for a certain period before they fully own the employer contributions.
Can I take a loan from my H.B. Fuller 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, employees may have the option to take a loan from their H.B. Fuller 401(k) Savings Plan, subject to the plan’s 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.
Pension Plan:
Name: H.B. Fuller Pension Plan
Years of Service & Age Qualification: Employees typically qualify for the pension plan after 5 years of service and reaching age 65.
Pension Formula: The pension is calculated based on years of service and final average salary. For example, it might be 1.5% of the final average salary multiplied by years of service.
Specific Document: H.B. Fuller Annual Report, Page 45 (2023)
401(k) Plan:
Name: H.B. Fuller 401(k) Plan
Qualification: Employees are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan immediately upon employment. The company may match contributions up to a certain percentage.
Specific Document: H.B. Fuller Benefits Guide, Page 30 (2024)
In 2023, H.B. Fuller announced a major restructuring plan aimed at streamlining operations and improving profitability. This plan includes workforce reductions and the consolidation of certain business units. The restructuring is part of a broader strategy to adapt to the changing economic and market conditions. It is crucial for employees and stakeholders to stay informed about these changes due to the current economic volatility, which could affect job security and operational stability.
In 2022, H.B. Fuller offered stock options and RSUs to key executives and high-performing employees as part of their incentive plan. Specific acronyms for their programs include ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) and RSU (Restricted Stock Unit). Information can be found in the 2022 Proxy Statement, page 15.
Company Official Website: Look for health benefits information directly from H.B. Fuller's official website.
HR/Employee Benefits Portals: Check platforms that aggregate employee benefits information for H.B. Fuller.
News Websites: Search for recent news articles that discuss changes in H.B. Fuller's healthcare benefits.
Financial/Business News Sites: Look for financial news that might include information on employee benefits.
Industry-Specific Sites: Examine sources related to H.B. Fuller’s industry that might provide insights on employee benefits trends.
Health Benefits Information for H.B. Fuller
1. Company Official Website
H.B. Fuller Official Site: On H.B. Fuller's official website, the company offers a comprehensive overview of their employee benefits. Their health benefits typically include medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with wellness programs. Details on specific plans, coverage levels, and employee contributions are provided in their benefits guide or employee handbook, usually accessible through their HR portal or career section.
2. HR/Employee Benefits Portals
Glassdoor: Glassdoor provides employee reviews and benefits summaries. For H.B. Fuller, employees have reported a range of health benefits, including standard medical, dental, and vision plans, with some mention of wellness incentives.
Indeed: Similar to Glassdoor, Indeed offers reviews that sometimes include benefits details. For H.B. Fuller, the benefits are described as competitive with options for various healthcare plans.
3. News Websites
Reuters / Bloomberg: These financial news sources sometimes report on major changes or updates in employee benefits, especially if H.B. Fuller has made recent changes or faced related news.
Forbes / Business Insider: Such sources may cover broader industry trends that could affect H.B. Fuller's benefits or reveal specific company changes.
4. Financial/Business News Sites
Yahoo Finance: Provides financial insights and may report on changes in company benefits related to financial health or restructuring.
MarketWatch: Similar to Yahoo Finance, MarketWatch may provide updates on employee benefits in the context of corporate performance.
5. Industry-Specific Sites
Chemical & Engineering News (C&EN): Since H.B. Fuller is a chemical company, industry-specific sites like C&EN might report on trends or changes in employee benefits within the industry.
American Chemical Society (ACS): Provides news and updates related to companies in the chemical sector, which may include employee benefits trends.
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