Why More Nike Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Nike
For its employees, Nike primarily collaborates with UnitedHealthcare as its healthcare provider. This partnership facilitates access to a range of insurance plans that cater to the health needs of its workforce.
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Healthcare Cost Increases for Nike in 2026
In 2026, Nike employees may face significant increases in healthcare costs, as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace anticipates sharp premium hikes across the country. With some states projected to see premium increases exceeding 60%, Nike may adjust its benefits in response to soaring medical expenses. Factors such as the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies and ongoing medical cost inflation could force Nike to pass more expenses onto employees, making it crucial for workers to review their health plans and financial strategies ahead of these changes. As employers like Nike navigate these economic pressures, employees are urged to stay informed about potential impacts on out-of-pocket costs and consider their options thoughtfully.
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'Nike 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.
'Nike 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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Nike 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 Nike 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 Nike 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 Nike 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 Nike.
📞 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 Nike offer to its employees?
Nike offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.
Does Nike provide a company match for contributions made to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Nike provides a company match on employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, which helps boost retirement savings.
What is the eligibility requirement for Nike employees to participate in the 401(k) plan?
Nike employees are generally eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, typically within the first year of employment.
Can Nike employees choose how their 401(k) contributions are invested?
Yes, Nike employees have the option to choose from a variety of investment options within the 401(k) plan, allowing them to tailor their investment strategy.
What is the maximum contribution limit for Nike employees participating in the 401(k) plan?
The maximum contribution limit for Nike employees is set by the IRS and may change annually; employees should check the latest guidelines for the current limit.
Are there any fees associated with Nike's 401(k) plan?
Yes, like most 401(k) plans, Nike's plan may have administrative fees and investment-related fees, which are disclosed in the plan documents.
Does Nike allow employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, Nike allows eligible employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan.
What happens to my 401(k) savings if I leave Nike?
If you leave Nike, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) savings into another retirement account, cash out, or leave it in the Nike plan if allowed.
How can Nike employees access their 401(k) account information?
Nike employees can access their 401(k) account information through the companys designated retirement plan website or by contacting the plan administrator.
Does Nike offer any educational resources to help employees understand their 401(k) options?
Yes, Nike provides educational resources and tools to help employees understand their 401(k) options and make informed investment decisions.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Nike offers a defined contribution 401(k) plan with company matching contributions. Employees can contribute pre-tax or Roth (after-tax) dollars, and Nike matches 100% of the first 5% of eligible compensation. The plan includes various investment options, such as target-date funds, mutual funds, and a self-directed brokerage account. Nike also provides an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) with a discount on company stock. Financial planning resources and tools are available to help employees manage their retirement savings.
Nike offers RSUs that vest over time, providing shares upon vesting. Stock options are also part of their compensation plan, allowing employees to purchase shares at a set price.
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