New Update: Healthcare Costs Increasing by Over 60% in Some States. Will you be impacted?

Why More Kellogg Employees Are Considering Social Security Early â€” And How Medicare Changes Play a Role

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Kellogg Kellogg Company, a global leader in food production, provides health benefits to its employees through a partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS). This collaboration allows Kellogg to offer comprehensive health insurance plans that cater to the diverse needs of its workforce. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As the healthcare landscape evolves, Kellogg employees should be aware of impending healthcare cost increases expected in 2026. A combination of factors, including the potential expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, could lead to a significant rise in out-of-pocket health insurance expenses. Reports indicate that some employees may face premium hikes exceeding 60%, resulting in an overall increase in healthcare costs by up to 75% for many families. With major insurers announcing aggressive rate increases, it's crucial for employees to carefully evaluate their health coverage options and prepare for a potential financial impact. Click here to learn more

'Kellogg 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.

'Kellogg 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 Kellogg 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 Kellogg 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 Kellogg 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 Kellogg 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 Kellogg.

ðŸ“ž 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.

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Sources:

1. CNBC. ' Does it still make sense to wait to claim Social Security retirement benefits? ' by Lorie Konish. 29 Apr. 2025.
2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. ' 15 percent of private industry workers had access to a defined benefit retirement plan ,' 10 Apr. 2024.
3. Kaiser Family Foundation. “ Health Costs Consume a Large Portion of Income for Millions of People with Medicare ,' by Ochieng, Nancy; Juliette Cubanski; Tricia Neuman; Anthony Damico. 21 Aug. 2025.
Other Resources:
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 primary purpose of the 401(k) plan offered by Kellogg?

The primary purpose of the 401(k) plan offered by Kellogg is to help employees save for retirement by providing a tax-advantaged way to invest their earnings.

How does Kellogg match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Kellogg matches employee contributions to the 401(k) plan up to a certain percentage of their salary, encouraging employees to save more for retirement.

When can employees of Kellogg start participating in the 401(k) plan?

Employees of Kellogg can typically start participating in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of employment, usually within the first year.

What types of investment options are available in Kellogg's 401(k) plan?

Kellogg's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock, allowing employees to diversify their portfolios.

Can employees of Kellogg take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, employees of Kellogg may have the option to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan.

How often can Kellogg employees change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) plan?

Kellogg employees can typically change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) plan during designated enrollment periods or at any time as allowed by the plan rules.

What happens to Kellogg employees' 401(k) savings if they leave the company?

If Kellogg employees leave the company, they have several options for their 401(k) savings, including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it in the Kellogg plan if eligible.

Does Kellogg provide educational resources for employees regarding their 401(k) plan?

Yes, Kellogg provides educational resources and tools to help employees understand their 401(k) plan options and make informed investment decisions.

Is there a vesting schedule for Kellogg's 401(k) matching contributions?

Yes, Kellogg has a vesting schedule for its matching contributions, meaning employees must work for the company for a certain period before they fully own the matched funds.

How can Kellogg employees access their 401(k) account information?

Kellogg employees can access their 401(k) account information online through the plan's designated website or mobile app.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

Kellogg Pension Plan: Eligibility: Varies by years of service and age. Specific requirements are detailed in each document. Pension Formula: Described in the respective annual reports and benefits guides. Name of Pension Plan: Mentioned in the provided pages. Kellogg 401(k) Plan: Eligibility: Details on who qualifies are included in each document. Name of 401(k) Plan: Found in the respective pages of the reports and guides.

In 2023, Kellogg announced a significant restructuring plan as part of its efforts to streamline operations and improve efficiency. The company planned to cut about 5% of its global workforce, which equates to approximately 2,000 jobs. This decision is attributed to Kellogg's need to adapt to changing consumer preferences and the competitive landscape of the food industry. This move is part of a broader trend among companies to realign their workforce to better meet market demands and operational efficiency. Given the current economic climate, such layoffs can impact job security and financial stability for many workers. Understanding these changes is crucial as they can influence investment decisions and economic forecasts.

Stock Options (SO): Allow employees to purchase company shares at a set price. They are typically granted as part of compensation packages and can be exercised after a vesting period. Restricted Stock Units (RSUs): Represent company shares given to employees as part of their compensation, which vest over time or based on performance metrics

Healthcare Benefits Overview: Kellogg offers a comprehensive health benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage. They provide options for Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). Their health benefits include preventive care, telemedicine services, and wellness programs. Key Acronyms: HSA (Health Savings Account), FSA (Flexible Spending Account), EAP (Employee Assistance Program).