Why More Murphy USA Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Murphy USA:
Murphy USA's healthcare provider network includes a variety of options, primarily focused on major insurance companies that offer group health insurance plans for its employees. The specific providers can vary over time and by location, but typically include carriers such as UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield, among others.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026:
As Murphy USA employees navigate the rising tide of healthcare costs, the looming increases for 2026 present significant challenges. With ACA marketplace premiums expected to surge by an average of 20%, many employees may face substantially higher out-of-pocket expenses. These increases are driven by multiple factors, including escalating medical costs, the potential loss of enhanced federal premium subsidies, and changing employer benefit structures aimed at managing expenses. Consequently, employees at Murphy USA are advised to closely review their health benefit options and prepare for a potential increase in their personal healthcare expenditures next year.
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'Murphy USA 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.
'Murphy USA 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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Murphy USA 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 Murphy USA 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 Murphy USA 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 Murphy USA 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 Murphy USA.
📞 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 purpose of the 401(k) plan at Murphy USA?
The 401(k) plan at Murphy USA is designed to help employees save for retirement by allowing them to contribute a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis.
How can employees at Murphy USA enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Employees at Murphy USA can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s benefits portal during the open enrollment period or upon their hire date.
Does Murphy USA match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Murphy USA offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.
What is the maximum contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at Murphy USA?
The maximum contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at Murphy USA follows the IRS guidelines, which are updated annually. Employees should check the current limits for the year.
Can employees at Murphy USA take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, Murphy USA allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan.
What investment options are available in Murphy USA's 401(k) plan?
Murphy USA's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.
How often can employees at Murphy USA change their 401(k) contributions?
Employees at Murphy USA can change their 401(k) contributions at any time, subject to the plan's rules and guidelines.
Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in Murphy USA's 401(k) plan?
Yes, Murphy USA has a vesting schedule for the employer match, which determines how much of the matched contributions employees are entitled to based on their years of service.
Can employees at Murphy USA access their 401(k) funds before retirement?
Employees at Murphy USA may access their 401(k) funds before retirement under certain circumstances, such as hardship withdrawals or after reaching a specific age.
What happens to the 401(k) plan if an employee leaves Murphy USA?
If an employee leaves Murphy USA, they have several options regarding their 401(k) plan, including rolling it over to another qualified plan, cashing it out, or leaving it with Murphy USA.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
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Pension Formula: Review how the pension amount is calculated.
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Qualification for 401(k) Plan: Identify who qualifies to participate in the 401(k) plan.
Acronyms and Terminology: Collect relevant acronyms and terms related to Murphy USA’s 401(k) plan.
Restructuring and Layoffs: In 2023, Murphy USA announced a restructuring plan aimed at improving operational efficiency. This included some layoffs, particularly in non-core business units. The company cited the need to streamline operations and enhance profitability amidst a challenging economic climate. This restructuring is significant as it reflects broader trends in the industry where companies are adapting to economic uncertainties and competitive pressures. It is crucial to follow these changes due to their potential impact on employee benefits and organizational stability.
Murphy USA offered stock options and RSUs primarily to senior executives and certain key employees. These incentives were designed to align interests with shareholders and reward long-term performance. For specific details on stock options and RSUs, refer to Murphy USA’s 2022 Proxy Statement, Page 25.
Health Benefits Overview: Murphy USA offers a range of health benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance. The plans are typically administered through major insurance carriers, providing various coverage levels.
Healthcare Terms: Common terms include PPO (Preferred Provider Organization), HSA (Health Savings Account), and FSA (Flexible Spending Account).
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