Why More Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings
Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings primarily uses UnitedHealthcare as their healthcare provider for employees. This partnership allows them to offer a range of health insurance products, including comprehensive coverage plans designed to meet the needs of their diverse workforce.
Brief Overview of Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
As we approach 2026, Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings faces the potential for significant healthcare cost increases, driven by sharply rising Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums across many states. Current projections indicate that premium hikes could exceed 60% in certain markets, exacerbated by the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies. Without legislative action to extend these subsidies, nearly 22 million marketplace enrollees may see their out-of-pocket healthcare costs surge by over 75%. This convergence of steep rate increases and subsidy loss poses substantial financial challenges for both the company and its employees, necessitating proactive financial planning to mitigate the impact on healthcare expenses.
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'Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings 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.
'Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings 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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Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings 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 Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings 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 Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings 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 Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings 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 Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings.
📞 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 Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings?
The 401(k) plan at Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.
How does Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings offers a matching contribution up to a certain percentage of the employee's salary, helping to boost retirement savings.
When can employees of Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Employees of Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings can typically enroll in the 401(k) plan during their initial employment onboarding or during the annual open enrollment period.
What types of investment options are available in the Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings 401(k) plan?
The 401(k) plan at Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.
Is there a vesting schedule for the contributions made by Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings has a vesting schedule that determines how long employees must work to fully own the company’s matching contributions.
Can employees of Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, employees of Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings may be able to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific plan rules and limits.
What happens to the 401(k) plan if an employee leaves Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings?
If an employee leaves Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings, they can roll over their 401(k) balance into another retirement account, cash out, or leave it in the plan if allowed.
How can employees access their 401(k) account information at Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings?
Employees can access their 401(k) account information through the plan’s online portal or by contacting the plan administrator for assistance.
Does Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings provide educational resources about the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings provides educational resources and tools to help employees understand their 401(k) options and make informed investment decisions.
Are there any fees associated with the Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings 401(k) plan?
Yes, there may be administrative and investment fees associated with the Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Employee Pension Plan:
Name of Plan: Review the most recent plan documents or annual reports.
Years of Service and Age Qualification: Look into the eligibility criteria, which often involves a certain number of years of service or a minimum age requirement.
Pension Formula: This will detail how the pension benefit is calculated based on years of service, salary, and other factors.
401(k) Plan:
Name of Plan: Identify the specific name of the 401(k) plan offered.
Eligibility: Determine who qualifies for participation in the 401(k) plan, including any service or age requirements.
Restructuring and Layoffs: In early 2024, Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings announced a significant restructuring plan aimed at streamlining operations and improving efficiency. This restructuring involved the reduction of approximately 200 positions across various departments. This move comes as the company seeks to adapt to evolving economic conditions and increased competition in the transportation sector. Addressing this news is crucial due to the current economic climate, which impacts job security and corporate stability. Understanding these changes helps employees and investors navigate the shifting landscape and make informed decisions.
Stock Options: Knight-Swift offers stock options as part of its employee compensation package, which allows employees to purchase company stock at a set price. Stock options are typically granted to executives and key employees as part of their incentive compensation.
RSUs: Restricted Stock Units are also granted to employees, with vesting schedules that depend on continued employment and/or performance metrics. RSUs convert into actual shares of stock upon vesting.
2023 Updates: Knight-Swift made several adjustments to their benefits offerings, including enhanced mental health support and wellness initiatives. There was a focus on expanding telehealth services in response to increased demand.
2024 Changes: The company introduced new plan options with lower deductibles and increased coverage for preventative care. There were also efforts to improve access to care for remote employees
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