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Why More Hub Group Employees Are Considering Social Security Early â€” And How Medicare Changes Play a Role

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'Hub Group 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.

'Hub Group 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 Hub Group 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 Hub Group 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 Hub Group 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 Hub Group 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 Hub Group.

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.

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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.

What is the 401(k) plan offered by Hub Group?

The 401(k) plan at Hub Group is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis, helping them prepare for retirement.

Does Hub Group match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Hub Group offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.

What is the eligibility requirement for Hub Group's 401(k) plan?

Employees at Hub Group are typically eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of employment, usually within the first year.

How can employees at Hub Group enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in Hub Group's 401(k) plan through the company's HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

What types of investment options are available in Hub Group's 401(k) plan?

Hub Group offers a variety of investment options in its 401(k) plan, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles tailored to different risk tolerances.

Can employees at Hub Group take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Hub Group allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan.

What happens to my 401(k) account if I leave Hub Group?

If you leave Hub Group, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) account to another retirement plan, cash it out, or leave it in the Hub Group plan, depending on your preferences and the plan's rules.

How often can employees change their contribution amounts to the Hub Group 401(k) plan?

Employees can change their contribution amounts to Hub Group's 401(k) plan at any time, typically through the HR portal or by submitting a request to HR.

Is there a vesting schedule for Hub Group's 401(k) matching contributions?

Yes, Hub Group has a vesting schedule for its matching contributions, meaning employees must work for the company for a certain period before they fully own the matched funds.

What is the maximum contribution limit for Hub Group's 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for Hub Group's 401(k) plan is subject to IRS regulations, which may change annually. Employees should check with HR for the current limits.

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 Information Name of Pension Plan: Hub Group Pension Plan Years of Service and Age Qualification: Generally, companies have specific criteria for years of service and age. This information is typically found in official plan documents. Pension Formula: The formula used to calculate pension benefits, which might include factors like years of service and final average salary. Specific Page Numbers: Document sources will be cited with page numbers. 401(k) Plan Information Name of 401(k) Plan: Hub Group 401(k) Savings Plan Who Qualifies: Eligibility criteria for participating in the 401(k) plan, which may include employment status or other criteria. Specific Page Numbers: Document sources will be cited with page numbers.

Restructuring and Layoffs: In early 2024, Hub Group announced a restructuring plan aimed at optimizing their operational efficiency. This plan included a significant reduction in the workforce as part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and cut costs. The company cited changing market conditions and the need for increased agility in their operations as key reasons for these changes. Source: Logistics Management

Stock Options and RSUs: In 2022, Hub Group provided stock options and RSUs as part of their employee compensation packages. These options were typically granted to key executives and senior management. RSUs were often awarded based on performance metrics and time-based vesting schedules.

Official Hub Group Website: Visit Hub Group's official website and navigate to the "Careers" or "Employee Benefits" section. This section typically includes details on health benefits provided to employees. Glassdoor: Check employee reviews and benefits descriptions on Glassdoor. Reviews often include information on health insurance plans, wellness programs, and other benefits. Indeed: Similar to Glassdoor, Indeed has company reviews and employee benefits information. Search for Hub Group’s benefits section to gather details. LinkedIn: Review Hub Group’s LinkedIn page, where company updates and employee-related information might be posted. Look for any recent posts about employee health benefits.