Why More Interpublic Group Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Interpublic Group:
The Interpublic Group partners with various healthcare providers, primarily offering health benefits through its benefits program, which includes options from major national insurers like Aetna and UnitedHealthcare. This allows employees to choose plans that best fit their needs.
Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026:
In 2026, healthcare costs are projected to surge significantly, driven primarily by a combination of rising medical costs and the potential expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies. This perfect storm could lead to average premium hikes of approximately 18% across the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace, with some states witnessing increases exceeding 60%. Consequently, many consumers might see their out-of-pocket expenses escalate by over 75%, as the loss of subsidies compounds the effects of aggressive rate hikes from major insurers. As the healthcare landscape shifts, proactive planning for these impending costs will be crucial for individuals and families seeking to maintain coverage.
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'Interpublic 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.
'Interpublic 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.
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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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Interpublic 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,
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affecting many households and Interpublic 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.
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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 Interpublic 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 Interpublic 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 Interpublic Group.
📞 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 Interpublic Group offer to its employees?
Interpublic Group offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.
How can employees of Interpublic Group enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Employees of Interpublic Group can enroll in the 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment process through the company’s benefits portal.
Does Interpublic Group provide any matching contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Interpublic Group provides matching contributions to the 401(k) plan, subject to certain conditions.
What is the maximum contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at Interpublic Group?
The maximum contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at Interpublic Group follows the IRS guidelines, which may change annually.
When can employees of Interpublic Group start contributing to their 401(k) plan?
Employees of Interpublic Group can start contributing to their 401(k) plan after completing their eligibility period, typically within the first few months of employment.
Are there any fees associated with Interpublic Group’s 401(k) plan?
Yes, there may be administrative fees associated with Interpublic Group’s 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.
Can employees of Interpublic Group take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, employees of Interpublic Group may be able to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to the plan’s terms and conditions.
What investment options are available in Interpublic Group’s 401(k) plan?
Interpublic Group’s 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds and other investment vehicles.
How often can employees change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) plan at Interpublic Group?
Employees of Interpublic Group can typically change their contribution amounts at any time, subject to the plan’s rules.
What happens to the 401(k) savings if an employee leaves Interpublic Group?
If an employee leaves Interpublic Group, they can either roll over their 401(k) savings to another retirement account or withdraw the funds, subject to tax implications.
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:
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401(k) Plan Information:
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Interpublic Group (IPG) experienced a challenging economic environment in 2023-2024, leading to restructuring efforts, which included layoffs and adjustments to employee benefits and pensions. The company focused on reducing operational costs, including salaries and related expenses, which decreased by 2.6% in the second quarter of 2024 (Interpublic Investors). These cost reductions were part of broader efforts to adapt to a tougher economic landscape, which also led to restructuring charges and other adjustments in company operations (IPG).
Interpublic Group (IPG) offers various employee stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) to its employees as part of their compensation plan. These stock options and RSUs are primarily available to senior executives and key employees as part of long-term incentive programs, aligning employee interests with shareholder returns.
For 2022, 2023, and 2024, IPG's stock options are typically issued with a vesting period that spans several years. RSUs at IPG are structured similarly, with a defined vesting schedule, and recipients are awarded shares upon the completion of the vesting period. These plans are meant to retain key talent by offering substantial financial rewards tied to the company's performance. Eligibility for these programs depends on job role and tenure within the company, with a focus on those in leadership and performance-critical positions.
Interpublic Group (IPG) offers comprehensive health benefits to its employees that focus on physical and mental well-being. The company's healthcare plans include traditional health insurance, vision care, and access to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). One unique feature IPG promotes is the access to Health Advocate services, which provide 24/7 access to registered nurses and assistance in navigating healthcare decisions (Employee Benefits).
In 2022 and 2023, the company emphasized enhancing employee well-being following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This included increased attention to mental health resources and a focus on creating a balance between work and personal life. IPG also offers employee assistance programs (EAPs) to help employees manage stress, mental health, and family issues
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