New Update: Healthcare Costs Increasing by Over 60% in Some States. Will you be impacted?

Why More H&R Block Employees Are Considering Social Security Early â€” And How Medicare Changes Play a Role

Healthcare Provider Update: H&R Block's Healthcare Provider and Cost Increase Overview Healthcare Provider: H&R Block employees typically rely on major insurance carriers for their health benefits, though specific providers may vary by location. Generally, the company integrates offerings from national insurers such as UnitedHealthcare, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, and others to provide comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage. Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: As 2026 approaches, H&R Block employees may face significant increases in healthcare costs, primarily driven by anticipated record hikes in ACA marketplace premiums. With reports indicating potential rate increases exceeding 60% in some states and an overall expected rise of 18%, many employees could see out-of-pocket expenses swell substantially-by as much as 75% for those losing enhanced federal subsidies. This surge in healthcare expenses underscores the pressing need for H&R Block workers to review their benefits and explore strategic options, such as optimizing Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), to mitigate personal financial impacts. Click here to learn more

'H&R Block 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&R Block 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. ¹ And for those with an FRA of 66, the increase if one waits until age 70 is closer to 32%. ¹ H&R Block 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, ² affecting many households and H&R Block 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. ³

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&R Block 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&R Block 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&R Block.

ðŸ“ž 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.

Featured Video

Articles you may find interesting:

Sources:

1. CNBC. ' Does it still make sense to wait to claim Social Security retirement benefits? ' by Lorie Konish. 29 Apr. 2025.
2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. ' 15 percent of private industry workers had access to a defined benefit retirement plan ,' 10 Apr. 2024.
3. Kaiser Family Foundation. “ Health Costs Consume a Large Portion of Income for Millions of People with Medicare ,' by Ochieng, Nancy; Juliette Cubanski; Tricia Neuman; Anthony Damico. 21 Aug. 2025.
Other Resources:
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.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

H&R Block Pension Plan: Name of Pension Plan: Look for official H&R Block documents or reports from 2022, 2023, and 2024 to identify the name of the pension plan. Years of Service and Age Qualification: Search for criteria related to eligibility, which often include years of service and age. Pension Formula: Find specific details on how the pension benefit is calculated. H&R Block 401(k) Plan: Name of 401(k) Plan: Identify the specific 401(k) plan name from H&R Block’s reports or plan documents. Eligibility: Determine who qualifies for participation in the 401(k) plan.

Restructuring and Layoffs: In early 2024, H&R Block announced a major restructuring plan aimed at streamlining operations and improving efficiency. This move included a reduction in workforce, affecting around 200 positions across various departments. The company stated that the decision was driven by the need to adapt to the evolving tax services market and to invest in digital solutions. This restructuring is significant due to the current economic environment, which is characterized by uncertainty and rapid technological changes, impacting job security and company strategies.

H&R Block Stock Options (2022-2024): 2022: H&R Block provided stock options to senior executives and key employees as part of their incentive programs. Stock options were available primarily to those in leadership roles and high-impact positions within the company. 2023: In 2023, H&R Block continued to offer stock options, with an emphasis on aligning employee interests with company performance. Options were granted based on performance targets and tenure. 2024: H&R Block maintained its stock option program, with updates to align with market conditions and internal performance metrics. Eligibility remained focused on senior leadership and strategic contributors.

H&R Block Official Site: hrblock.com Health Benefits: H&R Block offers a range of health benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance. The company provides options for both in-network and out-of-network care, with varying levels of coverage depending on the plan. They also offer Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) to help employees manage out-of-pocket expenses. Glassdoor Glassdoor: glassdoor.com Employee Reviews: According to employee reviews on Glassdoor, H&R Block provides competitive health benefits, including comprehensive medical insurance plans, dental, and vision coverage. The benefits are generally rated positively by employees, with specific praise for the company’s supportive health programs and wellness initiatives. Indeed Indeed: indeed.com Health Benefits: Reviews on Indeed confirm that H&R Block's health benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance. The company also offers wellness programs and has received feedback about the effectiveness of their health benefits in supporting employee well-being. LinkedIn LinkedIn: linkedin.com Company Profile: H&R Block’s LinkedIn page mentions that the company provides a comprehensive benefits package including healthcare, wellness programs, and retirement plans. Specific details are not always available, but the general sentiment is positive regarding their health benefits. Benefits Guide Benefits Guide: benefitsguide.com Recent Updates: For 2023 and 2024, H&R Block has updated its health benefits offerings to include enhanced telehealth services and mental health resources. There is a focus on providing better access to mental health professionals and expanded telemedicine options as part of their overall healthcare strategy.

Additional Articles

Check Out Articles for H&R Block employees

For more information you can reach the plan administrator for H&R Block at , ; or by calling them at .

https://www.hrblock.com/ https://www.thelayoff.com/ https://www.benefitsguide.com/start-here https://www.indeed.com/ https://www.glassdoor.com/index.htm