Why More Kirby Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
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'Kirby 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.
'Kirby 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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Kirby 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 Kirby 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 Kirby 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 Kirby 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 Kirby.
📞 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 purpose of Kirby's 401(k) Savings Plan?
The purpose of Kirby's 401(k) Savings Plan is to help employees save for retirement by allowing them to contribute a portion of their salary into a tax-advantaged account.
How can I enroll in Kirby's 401(k) Savings Plan?
You can enroll in Kirby's 401(k) Savings Plan by completing the enrollment form provided by the HR department or through the employee portal.
What types of contributions can I make to Kirby's 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can make pre-tax contributions, Roth (after-tax) contributions, and potentially catch-up contributions if they are age 50 or older in Kirby's 401(k) Savings Plan.
Does Kirby offer any matching contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, Kirby offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which is designed to encourage employees to save for retirement.
What is the vesting schedule for Kirby's 401(k) matching contributions?
The vesting schedule for Kirby's 401(k) matching contributions typically follows a graded vesting schedule, where employees become fully vested after a certain number of years of service.
Can I change my contribution amount to Kirby's 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, employees can change their contribution amount to Kirby's 401(k) Savings Plan at any time by submitting a request through the employee portal.
What investment options are available in Kirby's 401(k) Savings Plan?
Kirby's 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.
How often can I make changes to my investments in Kirby's 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can typically make changes to their investment allocations in Kirby's 401(k) Savings Plan on a quarterly basis or as specified in the plan documents.
What happens to my 401(k) account if I leave Kirby?
If you leave Kirby, you have several options for your 401(k) account, including rolling it over to an IRA or another employer’s plan, cashing it out, or leaving it in the current plan if permitted.
Is there a loan option available in Kirby's 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, Kirby's 401(k) Savings Plan may offer a loan option, allowing employees to borrow against their account balance under certain conditions.
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 Information:
Name of Pension Plan: XYZ Retirement Plan
Years of Service and Age Qualification: Employees must have at least 10 years of service and be 55 years old to qualify for the XYZ Retirement Plan.
Pension Formula: The pension benefit is calculated based on 1.5% of the average salary for the highest 5 years multiplied by years of service.
Eligibility: Employees who meet the above criteria are eligible for the XYZ Retirement Plan.
401(k) Plan Information:
Name of 401(k) Plan: XYZ Savings Plan
Eligibility: Employees who have completed 6 months of service are eligible to participate in the XYZ Savings Plan.
Company Match: XYZ Corporation matches 50% of employee contributions up to 6% of their salary.
Layoffs: In early 2024, Kirby Corporation announced a restructuring plan that involved reducing its workforce by 5% due to a decrease in demand for its marine and power generation services. This decision aimed to streamline operations and cut costs. Source: Reuters
Stock Options and RSUs Available: Apple offers stock options and RSUs primarily to executives and key employees. Stock options are often granted as part of compensation packages, with RSUs providing additional incentives.
Recent Updates: In 2022, Apple updated its stock option grants and RSUs to align with market conditions and company performance. In 2023, Apple continued to refine these benefits to attract and retain talent. For 2024, Apple has expanded its RSU grants to include more employees across various levels.
Kirby Corporation provides a broad range of health benefits to employees, including medical, dental, and vision insurance. They offer health plans through major providers and emphasize comprehensive coverage options.
Acronyms and Terms: Commonly used terms include PPO (Preferred Provider Organization), HMO (Health Maintenance Organization), and HSA (Health Savings Account). They also reference FSA (Flexible Spending Account) for pre-tax medical expenses.
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