Why More JetBlue Airways Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for JetBlue Airways: JetBlue Airways primarily partners with CVS Health's Aetna to provide healthcare benefits for its employees.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: As we look ahead to 2026, JetBlue Airways employees may face significant healthcare cost increases due to a convergence of factors influencing the insurance landscape. Predicted hikes in Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums could reach as high as 75% for many enrollees, stemming from the likely expiration of enhanced federal subsidies and annual medical cost inflation. This scenario creates pressure on employers like JetBlue to manage the rising costs, potentially leading to increased premiums for employees. The impact of these changes emphasizes the need for strategic financial planning as 2026 approaches.
Click here to learn more
'JetBlue Airways 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.
'JetBlue Airways 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
JetBlue Airways 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 JetBlue Airways 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 JetBlue Airways 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 JetBlue Airways 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 JetBlue Airways.
📞 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 JetBlue Airways?
The 401(k) plan at JetBlue Airways is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.
How can employees at JetBlue Airways enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Employees at JetBlue Airways can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the employee benefits portal during their onboarding process or during an open enrollment period.
Does JetBlue Airways match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, JetBlue Airways offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees boost their retirement savings.
What is the maximum contribution limit for JetBlue Airways' 401(k) plan?
The maximum contribution limit for JetBlue Airways' 401(k) plan is determined by the IRS and may change annually; employees should check the current limits for the year.
Can employees at JetBlue Airways change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, employees at JetBlue Airways can change their contribution percentage at any time through the employee benefits portal.
What investment options are available in JetBlue Airways' 401(k) plan?
JetBlue Airways' 401(k) plan offers a range of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.
Is there a vesting schedule for JetBlue Airways' 401(k) matching contributions?
Yes, JetBlue Airways has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, which means employees must work for a certain period to fully own the matched funds.
How often can employees at JetBlue Airways contribute to their 401(k) plan?
Employees at JetBlue Airways can contribute to their 401(k) plan with each paycheck, allowing for consistent savings toward retirement.
Can employees take loans against their 401(k) plan at JetBlue Airways?
Yes, JetBlue Airways allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) plan, subject to specific terms and conditions.
What happens to my 401(k) plan if I leave JetBlue Airways?
If you leave JetBlue Airways, you have several options for your 401(k) plan, including rolling it over to a new employer’s plan or an IRA.
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 Name: JetBlue Airways does not offer a traditional defined benefit pension plan. Instead, they focus on a defined contribution plan such as the 401(k) plan.
Years of Service & Age Qualification:
Years of Service: Not applicable, as JetBlue does not have a defined benefit pension plan.
Age Qualification: Not applicable, as JetBlue does not have a defined benefit pension plan.
Pension Formula:
Formula: Not applicable, as JetBlue does not have a defined benefit pension plan.
Specific Sources:
Document: JetBlue Airways Employee Benefits Summary
401(k) Plan Name: JetBlue Airways 401(k) Plan
Eligibility:
Who Qualifies: Employees are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing 30 days of service.
Details: Employees can contribute a percentage of their salary into the 401(k) plan, and JetBlue offers a company match up to a certain percentage
JetBlue Airways Restructuring and Layoffs (2023-2024): In recent months, JetBlue has undertaken significant restructuring efforts due to ongoing challenges in the aviation sector. The company announced a reduction in workforce as part of its cost-cutting measures to address decreased travel demand and rising operational costs. This move includes layoffs in various departments and a strategic realignment to enhance efficiency. It's important to address this news given the current economic climate, which is marked by fluctuations in travel demand and increased operational costs. This restructuring reflects broader industry trends and is crucial for stakeholders to understand the implications for employment and operational changes at JetBlue.
JetBlue Airways provided stock options mainly to senior executives and key roles in 2022. RSUs were available to employees based on performance and tenure.
2022-2024 Trends: JetBlue has maintained a robust health benefits package throughout these years, focusing on enhancing wellness programs and mental health support. The introduction of telemedicine services and expanded employee assistance programs are notable updates.
Employee Feedback: Employees generally report satisfaction with JetBlue's health benefits, highlighting the company's commitment to wellness and mental health resources. There have been no significant recent changes that drastically impact the benefits structure.
/General/General%201.png?width=1280&height=853&name=General%201.png)
-2.png?width=300&height=200&name=office-builing-main-lobby%20(52)-2.png)
.webp?width=300&height=200&name=office-builing-main-lobby%20(27).webp)
-2.png)
.webp)