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

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

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Kinder Morgan Kinder Morgan typically offers healthcare benefits to its employees through a variety of health plans, often provided by major national insurers such as Aetna or UnitedHealthcare. Specifics can vary by location and employment status, so details about the exact healthcare provider can depend on the particular plan selected by employees. Impact of Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 In 2026, enterprises like Kinder Morgan may face significant challenges related to healthcare cost increases driven by the expiration of federal premium subsidies and rising medical expense inflation. Analysts predict that average premiums in the Affordable Care Act marketplace could surge as much as 75% for many enrollees, resulting in higher out-of-pocket costs for employees. As these rise, companies must prepare to manage their healthcare spending efficiently, ensuring employees continue to have access to affordable health coverage amidst these economic pressures. Click here to learn more

'Kinder Morgan 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.

'Kinder Morgan 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 Kinder Morgan 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 Kinder Morgan 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 Kinder Morgan 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 Kinder Morgan 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 Kinder Morgan.

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.

Featured Video

Articles you may find interesting:

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 type of retirement savings plan does Kinder Morgan offer to its employees?

Kinder Morgan offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for retirement.

Does Kinder Morgan provide any matching contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Kinder Morgan provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.

What is the eligibility requirement to participate in Kinder Morgan's 401(k) plan?

Employees are eligible to participate in Kinder Morgan's 401(k) plan after completing a specific period of service, typically within the first year of employment.

Can employees of Kinder Morgan choose how much to contribute to their 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees at Kinder Morgan can choose to contribute a percentage of their salary to their 401(k) plan, within the limits set by the IRS.

What investment options are available in Kinder Morgan's 401(k) plan?

Kinder Morgan's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.

How can Kinder Morgan employees change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) plan?

Employees can change their contribution amounts to Kinder Morgan's 401(k) plan by accessing their account online or by submitting a request through HR.

Is there a vesting schedule for Kinder Morgan's matching contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Kinder Morgan has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, meaning employees must work for a certain period to fully own the matched funds.

Can Kinder Morgan employees take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Kinder Morgan allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to the plan's terms and conditions.

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

If Kinder Morgan employees leave the company, they can roll over their 401(k) savings into another retirement account or withdraw the funds, subject to applicable taxes and penalties.

Does Kinder Morgan offer financial education resources for employees regarding their 401(k) plan?

Yes, Kinder Morgan provides financial education resources to help employees understand their 401(k) options and make informed investment decisions.

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: Kinder Morgan Pension Plan Years of Service and Age Qualifications: Employees generally qualify for the pension plan after five years of service. Early retirement is available at age 55 with at least 10 years of service. Normal retirement Pension Formula:The pension benefit is typically calculated based on a formula which includes years of service and average final compensation. The specific formula can vary by individual plan provisions. 401(k) Plan Name: Kinder Morgan 401(k) Plan Qualification Criteria:Employees are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan from their date of hire. There are no specific age or service requirements to begin participating in the 401(k) plan. Plan Details:The plan includes employee contributions and employer matching contributions, with specifics varying annually.

Restructuring and Layoffs: In 2023, Kinder Morgan announced a restructuring plan aimed at streamlining operations and reducing costs. This involved a reduction in workforce by 5%, primarily affecting administrative and support roles. The company justified this move as a necessary step to enhance operational efficiency and maintain competitive advantage in a challenging market.

Kinder Morgan offers stock options and RSUs to its employees, with eligibility often dependent on position and tenure. The stock options are typically granted based on performance and seniority. Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) are usually granted as part of compensation packages to attract and retain talent.

2022-2023 Benefits Overview: Kinder Morgan provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance. The company offers several plan options to accommodate different needs, including high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and traditional PPO plans. 2024 Updates: For 2024, Kinder Morgan introduced some enhancements to their health plans, including expanded telehealth services and increased coverage for mental health care. They continue to offer flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and employee assistance programs (EAPs).