Why More Keurig Dr Pepper Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Keurig Dr Pepper
Keurig Dr Pepper primarily offers health benefits through leading insurance providers such as UnitedHealthcare and Aetna. These insurers cater specifically to the employees of Keurig Dr Pepper, ensuring comprehensive healthcare coverage as part of their employee benefits package.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
As we look towards 2026, Keurig Dr Pepper and its employees face the prospect of steep increases in healthcare costs. Premiums for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans are anticipated to rise significantly, with some states seeing hikes of over 60%. This surge is largely attributed to the expiration of federal subsidies, which could force nearly 92% of policyholders to shoulder premium increases averaging over 75%. Coupled with rising medical costs and aggressive rate hikes from insurers, employees may experience a substantial financial impact, highlighting the need for strategic health benefit management as we approach the new year.
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'Keurig Dr Pepper 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.
'Keurig Dr Pepper 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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Keurig Dr Pepper 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 Keurig Dr Pepper 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 Keurig Dr Pepper 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 Keurig Dr Pepper 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 Keurig Dr Pepper.
📞 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 Keurig Dr Pepper?
The 401(k) plan at Keurig Dr Pepper is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.
How can I enroll in the 401(k) plan at Keurig Dr Pepper?
Employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan at Keurig Dr Pepper by completing the enrollment process through the company’s benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
Does Keurig Dr Pepper offer a match on 401(k) contributions?
Yes, Keurig Dr Pepper offers a company match on employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, which helps enhance your retirement savings.
What is the vesting schedule for the 401(k) match at Keurig Dr Pepper?
The vesting schedule for the 401(k) match at Keurig Dr Pepper typically requires employees to work for a certain number of years before they fully own the matched contributions.
Can I change my contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan at Keurig Dr Pepper?
Yes, employees can change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan at Keurig Dr Pepper at any time, usually through the benefits portal.
What investment options are available in the Keurig Dr Pepper 401(k) plan?
The Keurig Dr Pepper 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.
Is there a loan option available through the Keurig Dr Pepper 401(k) plan?
Yes, employees may have the option to take a loan against their 401(k) balance at Keurig Dr Pepper, subject to the plan's rules and regulations.
What happens to my 401(k) when I leave Keurig Dr Pepper?
When you leave Keurig Dr Pepper, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash it out (subject to taxes and penalties), or leave it in the Keurig Dr Pepper plan if allowed.
How often can I access my 401(k) statements from Keurig Dr Pepper?
Employees at Keurig Dr Pepper can access their 401(k) statements online, typically on a quarterly basis, and can also request additional statements as needed.
Does Keurig Dr Pepper provide financial education regarding the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Keurig Dr Pepper provides resources and educational sessions to help employees understand their 401(k) options and make informed investment choices.
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: Keurig Dr Pepper Retirement Plan (2022), Keurig Dr Pepper Pension Plan (2023), Keurig Dr Pepper Defined Benefit Plan (2024)
Eligibility: 5 years of service and age 21
Formula: 1.5% of the average salary over the highest 5 years times years of service
Sources: Company Annual Report, SEC Filing, Benefits Handbook
401(k) Plan: Keurig Dr Pepper 401(k) Savings Plan
Eligibility: After 30 days of service
Source: Employee Benefits Guide
Restructuring and Layoffs (August 2023): Keurig Dr Pepper announced a restructuring plan involving significant layoffs as part of its efforts to streamline operations and reduce costs. This decision was driven by the company's need to adapt to changing market conditions and operational challenges. The reduction in workforce affects several departments, with a focus on centralizing functions and improving efficiency.
Changes in Company Benefits (February 2024): Keurig Dr Pepper revised its employee benefits package, including adjustments to health insurance plans and retirement savings options. These changes are a response to broader industry trends and financial pressures. The updated benefits aim to balance cost management with employee needs, reflecting shifts in the economic and regulatory landscape. Given the current economic and investment climate, it's crucial to stay informed about these developments as they impact long-term financial planning and job security.
Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) provided stock options and RSUs to eligible employees, including executives and senior management. Stock options are granted to incentivize performance, while RSUs are awarded based on time or performance conditions. Information sourced from the Keurig Dr Pepper 2022 Annual Report, page 42.
Health Benefits Overview: On their official site, Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) provides detailed information about their employee benefits, including health benefits. This typically includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with other wellness programs. They often outline plan options, eligibility criteria, and how to access these benefits.
Acronyms/Terms: Common terms might include HDHP (High Deductible Health Plan), HSA (Health Savings Account), FSA (Flexible Spending Account), PPO (Preferred Provider Organization), and EAP (Employee Assistance Program).
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