Why More Martin Marietta Materials Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Martin Marietta Materials
The healthcare provider for Martin Marietta Materials is primarily UnitedHealthcare. They offer a range of health insurance plans to employees, which typically include various coverage options catering to both individual and family needs.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
As we look toward 2026, Martin Marietta Materials anticipates significant challenges as healthcare costs are projected to rise substantially, driven by several factors. The expiration of enhanced ACA subsidies may lead to a surge in premiums, with some states witnessing increases of over 60%. Additionally, industry-wide medical costs are expected to rise by approximately 8.5%, spurred by ongoing inflation in healthcare services and the increasing costs of prescription drugs. This confluence of factors means that many employees could face a steep increase in their out-of-pocket expenses, compelling the company to consider strategic adjustments to its health benefits offerings.
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'Martin Marietta Materials 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.
'Martin Marietta Materials 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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Martin Marietta Materials 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 Martin Marietta Materials 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 Martin Marietta Materials 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 Martin Marietta Materials 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 Martin Marietta Materials.
📞 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 type of retirement savings plan does Martin Marietta Materials offer to its employees?
Martin Marietta Materials offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.
How can I enroll in the 401(k) plan at Martin Marietta Materials?
Employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan at Martin Marietta Materials by completing the enrollment process through the company’s benefits portal.
Does Martin Marietta Materials match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Martin Marietta Materials provides a matching contribution to employee 401(k) plan contributions, subject to certain limits.
What is the maximum contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at Martin Marietta Materials?
The maximum contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at Martin Marietta Materials is in line with the IRS annual contribution limits, which can change each year.
Can employees at Martin Marietta Materials take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, employees at Martin Marietta Materials may have the option to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to the plan’s terms.
What investment options are available in the Martin Marietta Materials 401(k) plan?
The Martin Marietta Materials 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds and target-date funds, allowing employees to choose based on their risk tolerance.
Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in the Martin Marietta Materials 401(k) plan?
Yes, there is a vesting schedule for the employer match in the Martin Marietta Materials 401(k) plan, which determines when employees fully own the matched contributions.
Can I change my contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan at Martin Marietta Materials?
Yes, employees can change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan at Martin Marietta Materials at any time, subject to plan rules.
What happens to my 401(k) savings if I leave Martin Marietta Materials?
If you leave Martin Marietta Materials, you have several options for your 401(k) savings, including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it in the plan if permitted.
Are there any fees associated with the Martin Marietta Materials 401(k) plan?
Yes, there may be administrative fees associated with the Martin Marietta Materials 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.
Pension Plan: Martin Marietta Materials Pension Plan provides benefits based on years of service and age, with a defined benefit formula.
401(k) Plan: Martin Marietta Materials 401(k) Savings Plan offers opportunities for employees to contribute with an employer match after 30 days of service.
Layoffs & Restructuring: In 2023, Martin Marietta Materials announced a strategic restructuring plan aimed at optimizing operational efficiency. This involved a reduction in workforce, particularly in non-core areas, to streamline operations and reduce costs. The company stated that the layoffs were part of a broader strategy to enhance its competitive position amid fluctuating market conditions. Given the current economic climate, such restructuring is significant as it reflects the company’s effort to remain agile in response to economic uncertainties and shifts in the construction industry.
Benefit Changes & 401k: There have been notable changes to the company's benefits package and 401k plan. Martin Marietta updated its retirement benefits by increasing the company match for 401k contributions to better support employee financial planning. Additionally, there have been adjustments to health benefits to align with new regulations and to improve coverage. These changes are important to address because they impact employee financial security and retirement planning, especially in a volatile economic environment where investment and tax conditions are continually evolving
Martin Marietta Materials stock options and RSUs are granted to attract and retain key talent within the company. Martin Marietta Materials provides these benefits primarily to executives and high-potential employees to align their interests with the company's long-term goals. The stock options and RSUs offered by Martin Marietta Materials in 2022, 2023, and 2024 are designed to incentivize and reward significant contributions to the company's success.
Health Benefits Summary: Martin Marietta Materials provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage. The benefits extend to both employees and their dependents.
Specific Terms:
HDHP (High Deductible Health Plan): A health insurance plan with higher deductibles and lower premiums.
HSA (Health Savings Account): Tax-advantaged savings account used in conjunction with an HDHP.
EAP (Employee Assistance Program): Provides mental health resources and counseling.
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