Why More Kaiser Aluminum Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Offers health, dental, and vision insurance to employees working 30+ hours/week, along with wellness programs and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 1.
With ACA premiums expected to rise by up to 75% due to subsidy expirations, Kaiser Aluminums employer-sponsored coverage provides a more stable and cost-effective alternative for eligible employees.
Click here to learn more
'Kaiser Aluminum 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.
'Kaiser Aluminum 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
Kaiser Aluminum 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 Kaiser Aluminum 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 Kaiser Aluminum 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 Kaiser Aluminum 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 Kaiser Aluminum.
📞 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 Kaiser Aluminum offer to its employees?
Kaiser Aluminum offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.
Does Kaiser Aluminum provide matching contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Kaiser Aluminum provides matching contributions to the 401(k) plan, helping employees maximize their retirement savings.
What is the eligibility requirement to participate in Kaiser Aluminum's 401(k) plan?
Employees at Kaiser Aluminum are typically eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, often within the first year of employment.
Can employees at Kaiser Aluminum choose how much to contribute to their 401(k) plan?
Yes, employees at Kaiser Aluminum can choose to contribute a percentage of their salary to the 401(k) plan, within IRS limits.
What investment options are available in Kaiser Aluminum's 401(k) plan?
Kaiser Aluminum's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds, allowing employees to diversify their portfolios.
Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in Kaiser Aluminum's 401(k) plan?
Yes, Kaiser Aluminum has a vesting schedule for employer matching contributions, which means employees must work for a certain period to fully own the matched funds.
How can employees at Kaiser Aluminum access their 401(k) account information?
Employees at Kaiser Aluminum can access their 401(k) account information online through the plan's designated website or by contacting the plan administrator.
What happens to the 401(k) plan if an employee leaves Kaiser Aluminum?
If an employee leaves Kaiser Aluminum, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash out, or leave the funds in the Kaiser Aluminum plan, subject to certain conditions.
Are there loans available against the 401(k) plan at Kaiser Aluminum?
Yes, Kaiser Aluminum allows participants to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan.
Can employees at Kaiser Aluminum change their contribution levels at any time?
Yes, employees at Kaiser Aluminum can change their contribution levels at designated times throughout the year, as specified in the plan guidelines.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Name: Kaiser Aluminum Pension Plan
Eligibility: Employees typically qualify based on years of service and age. The standard eligibility criteria are often 5 years of service or reaching age 55.
Pension Formula: The pension formula is generally based on years of service and average salary. For Kaiser Aluminum, it is typically calculated using a defined benefit formula which considers years of service and average earnings.
Name: Kaiser Aluminum 401(k) Plan
Eligibility: Employees are usually eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specific period of service, often 30 days of employment.
401(k) Plan Features: Includes employee contributions, employer matching contributions, and various investment options.
Restructuring and Layoffs: In 2023, Kaiser Aluminum announced a significant restructuring plan aimed at optimizing its production capabilities. The company reported a reduction of 10% in its workforce across various departments. This move is part of a broader strategy to enhance operational efficiency and adjust to shifting market demands. This news is crucial to address due to the current economic environment, which has seen many companies in the metal industry adjusting their operations in response to fluctuating demand and cost pressures.
Kaiser Aluminum issued stock options and RSUs to executives and key employees. Options had a four-year vesting period with annual vesting, while RSUs aimed to align interests with long-term shareholder value. [Source: Kaiser Aluminum 2022 Annual Report, Page 34]
Health Benefits Overview: The company provides a comprehensive health benefits package to its employees, including medical, dental, and vision insurance. They also offer wellness programs and resources for mental health support.
Recent Changes: For 2023, Kaiser Aluminum made adjustments to its health insurance plans, including increased premiums and a shift towards high-deductible health plans (HDHPs).
/General/General%208.png?width=1280&height=853&name=General%208.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)