Why More J.B. Hunt Transport Services Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for J.B. Hunt Transport Services
J.B. Hunt Transport Services utilizes multiple healthcare providers for its employee benefits, with the specifics often varying by the region and the type of coverage chosen. The company typically offers access to a range of insurers, aligning with industry standards for providing health care to its employees.
Healthcare Cost Increases Projection for 2026
As J.B. Hunt Transport Services prepares for 2026, employees may face significant healthcare cost increases due to a convergence of factors. Premiums for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace are projected to rise sharply, with some states reporting hikes exceeding 60% as a result of both the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies and elevated medical costs. Additionally, many employers, including J.B. Hunt, are expected to shift more healthcare expenses onto employees, further straining household finances. This backdrop of rising costs highlights the importance for employees to proactively reassess their healthcare plans and budgeting strategies to mitigate the financial impact.
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'J.B. Hunt Transport Services 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.
'J.B. Hunt Transport Services 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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J.B. Hunt Transport Services 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 J.B. Hunt Transport Services 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 J.B. Hunt Transport Services 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 J.B. Hunt Transport Services 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 J.B. Hunt Transport Services.
📞 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 J.B. Hunt Transport Services offer to its employees?
J.B. Hunt Transport Services offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.
Is there a company match for contributions made to the 401(k) plan at J.B. Hunt Transport Services?
Yes, J.B. Hunt Transport Services provides a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, subject to certain limits.
How can employees at J.B. Hunt Transport Services enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Employees at J.B. Hunt Transport Services can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
What is the eligibility requirement for employees to participate in the 401(k) plan at J.B. Hunt Transport Services?
Employees at J.B. Hunt Transport Services typically need to be at least 21 years old and have completed a specified period of service to be eligible for the 401(k) plan.
How often can employees change their contribution rate to the 401(k) plan at J.B. Hunt Transport Services?
Employees at J.B. Hunt Transport Services can change their contribution rate to the 401(k) plan at any time, subject to plan rules.
What investment options are available in the 401(k) plan at J.B. Hunt Transport Services?
J.B. Hunt Transport Services offers a variety of investment options in its 401(k) plan, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.
Can employees take loans against their 401(k) balance at J.B. Hunt Transport Services?
Yes, J.B. Hunt Transport Services allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to the plan's terms and conditions.
What happens to an employee's 401(k) balance if they leave J.B. Hunt Transport Services?
If an employee leaves J.B. Hunt Transport Services, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash out, or leave the funds in the J.B. Hunt plan if permitted.
Does J.B. Hunt Transport Services offer any financial education resources for employees regarding their 401(k)?
Yes, J.B. Hunt Transport Services provides financial education resources and tools to help employees understand and manage their 401(k) plans effectively.
Are there any fees associated with the 401(k) plan at J.B. Hunt Transport Services?
Yes, there may be administrative fees and investment-related fees associated with the 401(k) plan at J.B. Hunt Transport Services, which are disclosed in the plan documents.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Name of Pension Plan: J.B. Hunt Transport Services does not offer a traditional defined benefit pension plan. Instead, the company primarily provides a 401(k) retirement savings plan.
Eligibility Criteria: J.B. Hunt Transport Services offers a 401(k) plan to eligible employees. The eligibility for the 401(k) plan typically depends on the employee's length of service and other criteria set by the company.
Pension Formula: Since J.B. Hunt does not have a defined benefit pension plan, there is no pension formula applicable.
Name of 401(k) Plan: The 401(k) plan offered by J.B. Hunt Transport Services is known as the "J.B. Hunt 401(k) Plan."
Eligibility Criteria: Employees typically become eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specific waiting period, which is usually outlined in the company's employee benefits documentation.
Restructuring and Layoffs: J.B. Hunt announced a restructuring plan in early 2024 aimed at improving operational efficiency. This plan included reducing its workforce by approximately 5% in response to changing market conditions and the need for operational optimization. The company indicated that the layoffs were part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and enhance profitability. This news is particularly important to address in the current economic environment as companies navigate uncertainties and seek to adapt to market changes. Understanding these adjustments can provide insights into how businesses are managing financial pressures and restructuring to remain competitive.
2022: J.B. Hunt offered stock options and RSUs to employees as part of their compensation package. Stock options were granted primarily to executives and senior management, while RSUs were available to a broader group including mid-level managers.
2023: The company continued offering RSUs to a broader group of employees, including those in mid-level positions and above. Stock options were less commonly granted, with a focus on key executive positions.
2024: J.B. Hunt's RSU program was expanded to include more employees, reflecting a trend towards broader equity compensation. Stock options remained targeted at senior executives and key personnel.
Healthcare Benefits Page: This section often includes comprehensive details about employee benefits, including health insurance options, wellness programs, and any recent updates.
Company Blog/News Section: Recent announcements or changes related to employee benefits may be highlighted here
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