New Update: Healthcare Costs Increasing by Over 60% in Some States. Will you be impacted?

Why More Mueller Industries Employees Are Considering Social Security Early â€” And How Medicare Changes Play a Role

Healthcare Provider Update: Provides medical coverage through Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, dental via Cigna, and vision benefits, plus remote work flexibility and 401(k) matching 4. With ACA costs rising, Elements comprehensive benefits and remote-first model offer employees both financial and lifestyle stability. Click here to learn more

'Mueller Industries 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.

'Mueller Industries 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 Mueller Industries 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 Mueller Industries 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 Mueller Industries 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 Mueller Industries 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 Mueller Industries.

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.

Featured Video

Articles you may find interesting:

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 type of retirement plan does Mueller Industries offer to its employees?

Mueller Industries offers a 401k retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.

Is there a company match for contributions made to the 401k plan at Mueller Industries?

Yes, Mueller Industries provides a company match for employee contributions to the 401k plan, enhancing the savings potential.

How can employees enroll in the 401k plan at Mueller Industries?

Employees can enroll in the 401k plan at Mueller Industries by completing the enrollment form available through the HR department or the employee portal.

What is the eligibility requirement to participate in Mueller Industries' 401k plan?

Employees at Mueller Industries are eligible to participate in the 401k plan after completing a specified period of service, typically outlined in the employee handbook.

Can employees at Mueller Industries take loans against their 401k savings?

Yes, Mueller Industries allows employees to take loans against their 401k savings, subject to the plan's terms and conditions.

What investment options are available in the Mueller Industries 401k plan?

The 401k plan at Mueller Industries offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds, allowing employees to diversify their portfolios.

How often can employees change their contribution percentage to the 401k at Mueller Industries?

Employees at Mueller Industries can change their contribution percentage to the 401k plan on a quarterly basis or as specified by the plan guidelines.

What happens to the 401k savings if an employee leaves Mueller Industries?

If an employee leaves Mueller Industries, they can roll over their 401k savings to another retirement account, withdraw the funds, or leave the savings in the current plan, depending on the plan's rules.

Does Mueller Industries provide educational resources for employees regarding their 401k plan?

Yes, Mueller Industries offers educational resources and workshops to help employees understand their 401k options and make informed investment decisions.

Are there any fees associated with the 401k plan at Mueller Industries?

Yes, there may be administrative fees associated with the 401k plan at Mueller Industries, which are disclosed in the plan documents provided to employees.

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 Pension Plan: Mueller Industries does not appear to offer a traditional defined benefit pension plan. They may offer other types of retirement benefits, but this specific information might not be publicly detailed. Years of Service and Age Qualification: Since Mueller Industries does not provide a traditional pension plan, there are no specific qualifications regarding years of service or age for such a plan. Pension Formula: Not applicable, as Mueller Industries does not offer a traditional pension plan. Name of 401(k) Plan: Mueller Industries offers a 401(k) plan, but specific details about the name of the plan are not typically available publicly. Eligibility for 401(k) Plan: Generally, employees are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan once they meet the service requirements outlined by the company. This often includes completing a probationary period or meeting specific employment duration criteria. 401(k) Plan Details: Contribution Matching: Details on matching contributions, if any, were not specifically available in the reviewed documents. Plan Terms: The specifics of the 401(k) plan, including vesting schedules and employer matching, would typically be detailed in the company's benefits handbook or employee manual.

Restructuring and Layoffs: In 2023, Mueller Industries announced a restructuring plan aimed at streamlining operations and reducing costs. This included a significant reduction in workforce, primarily in their manufacturing divisions. The restructuring was driven by a need to adapt to changing market conditions and optimize operational efficiency. Company Benefit Changes: Alongside workforce reductions, Mueller Industries also revised their employee benefits program. This included changes to healthcare options and retirement benefits, reflecting broader trends in cost management and adjusting to economic pressures. The updates aimed to align the benefits structure with the company’s new operational strategy.

Mueller Industries grants stock options and RSUs to incentivize and retain employees. Stock options are linked to performance and tenure, while RSUs are targeted towards senior management. Mueller Industries uses these financial tools to align employee interests with company goals.

Healthcare Benefits Page: On Mueller Industries' official website, their health benefits page details various programs offered to employees. Key benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage. They use terms like PPO (Preferred Provider Organization), HMO (Health Maintenance Organization), and FSA (Flexible Spending Account). They offer a range of plans and provide information on cost-sharing, coverage details, and preventive care services.