Why More Hyatt Hotels Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Hyatt Hotels
Hyatt Hotels partners with Lantern Health, a provider focused on connecting employees with a range of healthcare services. Through this relationship, Hyatt aims to enhance employee wellbeing while also reducing costs associated with healthcare.
Healthcare Cost Increases for 2026
As we approach 2026, Hyatt Hotels, like many employers, may experience significant healthcare cost increases due to the escalating premiums in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. Reports indicate that some states could see hikes exceeding 60%, driven by a combination of rising medical costs, the potential expiration of enhanced federal subsidies, and robust rate hikes proposed by major insurers. As a result, employees could face out-of-pocket premium increases of over 75%, making it crucial to strategically manage healthcare benefits to mitigate these impending financial pressures.
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'Hyatt Hotels 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.
'Hyatt Hotels 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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Hyatt Hotels 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 Hyatt Hotels 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 Hyatt Hotels 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 Hyatt Hotels 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 Hyatt Hotels.
📞 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 Hyatt Hotels?
The 401(k) plan at Hyatt Hotels is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.
How can Hyatt Hotels employees enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Employees of Hyatt Hotels can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company's HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
Does Hyatt Hotels offer any matching contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Hyatt Hotels offers matching contributions to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees grow their retirement savings.
What is the eligibility requirement to participate in Hyatt Hotels' 401(k) plan?
Employees of Hyatt Hotels are generally eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, as outlined in the plan documents.
Can Hyatt Hotels employees change their contribution rate to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, employees at Hyatt Hotels can change their contribution rate to the 401(k) plan at any time, subject to certain guidelines.
What investment options are available in the Hyatt Hotels 401(k) plan?
The Hyatt Hotels 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.
Is there a vesting schedule for Hyatt Hotels' matching contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Hyatt Hotels has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, which means employees must work for the company for a certain period before they fully own the matching funds.
How can Hyatt Hotels employees access their 401(k) account information?
Employees can access their 401(k) account information through the online portal provided by Hyatt Hotels or by contacting the plan administrator.
Are there any fees associated with the Hyatt Hotels 401(k) plan?
Yes, like most 401(k) plans, the Hyatt Hotels 401(k) plan may have administrative fees and investment-related fees, which are disclosed in the plan documents.
Can Hyatt Hotels employees take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, Hyatt Hotels allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to the terms and conditions of the plan.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Hyatt Hotels Pension Plan Details:
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Hyatt Hotels 401(k) Plan Details:
Name of 401(k) Plan: Determine the name of Hyatt Hotels’ 401(k) plan.
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1. Restructuring and Layoffs: In 2023, Hyatt Hotels announced a significant restructuring plan aimed at streamlining operations and improving efficiency. This plan included a reduction in workforce across various departments. The decision to downsize was influenced by evolving market conditions and the need to adapt to new business models. The company emphasized that these changes were necessary to ensure long-term growth and competitiveness.
2. Benefit Changes: Hyatt also made adjustments to its employee benefit programs in 2024. This included modifications to health insurance plans and retirement benefits. The changes were designed to better align with current economic conditions and provide more flexibility to employees. Given the shifting landscape in benefits, it is crucial for employees to stay informed about these updates to make the best decisions regarding their personal and financial planning.
Hyatt Hotels offered stock options (SO) and Restricted Stock Units (RSU) primarily to senior executives and high-level management. The RSU program was designed to align their compensation with long-term shareholder value.
2023: For 2023, Hyatt Hotels continued to offer RSUs and stock options, focusing on performance-based grants. The company aimed to reward key talent and incentivize performance with these stock options and RSUs.
2024: In 2024, Hyatt Hotels maintained its approach, providing stock options (SO) and RSUs as part of its compensation strategy. The allocation was extended to senior management and selected high-performing employees.
Health Benefits Overview: Hyatt provides a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance. They also offer mental health support, wellness programs, and flexible spending accounts (FSAs).
Healthcare-Related Terms: PPO (Preferred Provider Organization), HSA (Health Savings Account), EAP (Employee Assistance Program), preventive care
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