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Why More Mr. Cooper Group Employees Are Considering Social Security Early â€” And How Medicare Changes Play a Role

Healthcare Provider Update: Mr. Cooper Group provides market-based health insurance options including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Employees benefit from HSAs, FSAs, paid parental leave, surrogacy support, tuition reimbursement, and a 401(k) match. The company also offers wellness programs and financial planning tools. Mr. Cooper Group Healthcare costs in the United States are projected to continue rising through 2026, with insurers proposing significant premium increases for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans. A recent analysis found that ACA insurers are seeking a median premium increase of 15% for 2026, marking the largest hike since 2018. This surge is attributed to factors such as the anticipated expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, rising medical costsincluding expensive medications and increased hospital staysand a shift in the risk pool towards higher-cost enrollees. Without the renewal of enhanced subsidies, out-of-pocket premiums for ACA marketplace enrollees could increase by more than 75% on average. Click here to learn more

'Mr. Cooper Group 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.

'Mr. Cooper Group 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 Mr. Cooper Group 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 Mr. Cooper Group 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 Mr. Cooper Group 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 Mr. Cooper Group 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 Mr. Cooper Group.

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.

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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 retirement savings plan does Mr. Cooper Group offer to its employees?

Mr. Cooper Group offers a 401(k) savings plan to help employees save for retirement.

How does Mr. Cooper Group match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Mr. Cooper Group provides a matching contribution based on the employee’s contributions, up to a certain percentage of their salary.

What is the eligibility requirement to participate in Mr. Cooper Group's 401(k) plan?

Employees of Mr. Cooper Group are generally eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specific period of service, typically within their first year of employment.

Can employees of Mr. Cooper Group make pre-tax contributions to their 401(k)?

Yes, employees of Mr. Cooper Group can make pre-tax contributions to their 401(k), which can lower their taxable income.

Does Mr. Cooper Group allow for Roth contributions in its 401(k) plan?

Yes, Mr. Cooper Group offers the option for employees to make Roth contributions to their 401(k) plan.

What investment options are available in Mr. Cooper Group's 401(k) plan?

Mr. Cooper Group provides a variety of investment options in its 401(k) plan, including mutual funds and target-date funds.

How can employees of Mr. Cooper Group access their 401(k) account information?

Employees can access their 401(k) account information through the online portal provided by Mr. Cooper Group’s plan administrator.

Is there a vesting schedule for the matching contributions at Mr. Cooper Group?

Yes, Mr. Cooper Group has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, which determines when employees fully own those contributions.

What is the maximum contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at Mr. Cooper Group?

The maximum contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at Mr. Cooper Group is in accordance with IRS guidelines, which can change annually.

Can employees of Mr. Cooper Group take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Mr. Cooper Group allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

News: In early 2024, Mr. Cooper Group announced a significant restructuring plan that includes a reduction of approximately 10% of its workforce. This move is aimed at streamlining operations and reducing operational costs. Additionally, the company has made adjustments to its 401(k) matching contributions.