Why More Liberty Energy Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
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'Liberty Energy 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.
'Liberty Energy 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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Liberty Energy 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 Liberty Energy 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 Liberty Energy 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 Liberty Energy 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 Liberty Energy.
📞 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 Liberty Energy?
The 401(k) plan at Liberty Energy is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.
How does Liberty Energy match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Liberty Energy offers a matching contribution of 50% on the first 6% of employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, helping employees maximize their retirement savings.
When can employees at Liberty Energy enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Employees at Liberty Energy can enroll in the 401(k) plan during the initial onboarding process or during the annual open enrollment period.
What types of investment options are available in Liberty Energy's 401(k) plan?
Liberty Energy's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, index funds, and target-date funds, allowing employees to choose based on their risk tolerance and retirement goals.
Can employees at Liberty Energy take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, Liberty Energy allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan documents.
What is the vesting schedule for Liberty Energy's 401(k) matching contributions?
Liberty Energy follows a three-year vesting schedule for matching contributions, meaning employees fully own the match after three years of service.
How can employees at Liberty Energy access their 401(k) account information?
Employees can access their 401(k) account information through the online portal provided by Liberty Energy's plan administrator.
What happens to the 401(k) plan if an employee leaves Liberty Energy?
If an employee leaves Liberty Energy, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash out, or leave it in the Liberty Energy plan if they meet the minimum balance requirements.
Are there any fees associated with Liberty Energy's 401(k) plan?
Yes, Liberty Energy's 401(k) plan may have administrative fees and investment-related fees, which are disclosed in the plan documents.
What is the minimum contribution percentage for Liberty Energy's 401(k) plan?
Liberty Energy requires a minimum contribution of 1% of an employee's salary to participate in the 401(k) plan.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Name of Plan: Liberty Energy Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Eligibility: Employees are eligible after 1 year of service.
Years of Service Qualification: Minimum 5 years to be vested.
Age Qualification: Employees can begin receiving benefits at age 65.
Pension Formula: The pension benefit is calculated based on the average of the highest 5 consecutive years of earnings multiplied by a percentage based on years of service.
Name of Plan: Liberty Energy 401(k) Savings Plan
Eligibility: Employees can participate immediately upon hire.
Contribution Limits: Employees can contribute up to the annual IRS limit.
Company Match: Liberty Energy matches up to 6% of employee contributions.
In recent months, Liberty Energy has announced significant layoffs as part of a broader restructuring plan. The company is focusing on streamlining operations and improving efficiency amid challenging market conditions. This decision reflects the current economic environment, where companies are adjusting their workforce to adapt to fluctuating demand and shifting industry dynamics. It's important to follow these developments closely due to their impact on employee job security and company performance.
Liberty Energy provides stock options (SO) and RSUs (RSU) to its employees as part of its compensation package. These incentives are typically offered to employees in senior management, key positions, and high performers within the company.
In Liberty Energy, stock options (SO) allow employees to purchase company shares at a predetermined price, typically vested over a period of time. Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) are granted with specific vesting conditions and are converted into shares upon meeting those conditions.
The availability of these stock options (SO) and RSUs (RSU) in Liberty Energy is designed to align employee interests with company performance and retention goals
HDHP (High Deductible Health Plan): A health insurance plan with a higher deductible but lower premiums.
HSA (Health Savings Account): A tax-advantaged savings account used in conjunction with HDHPs to pay for qualified medical expenses.
PPO (Preferred Provider Organization): A health plan that offers a network of healthcare providers and allows for out-of-network care at a higher cost.
FSA (Flexible Spending Account): An account that allows employees to set aside pre-tax money for eligible medical expenses.
EAP (Employee Assistance Program): A program providing confidential counseling and referral services for employees facing personal or work-related issues.
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