Why More Nordstrom Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Nordstrom
For its healthcare needs, Nordstrom partners primarily with Aetna, Premera, and Kaiser Permanente to provide health insurance plans to its employees. Each of these insurers offers various options, including high-deductible plans accompanied by Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), allowing employees to manage their healthcare expenses more effectively.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
In 2026, healthcare costs for Nordstrom employees may see significant increases due to projected hikes in Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums. Many states are anticipating rate increases of over 20%, with places like New York facing hikes exceeding 66%. The expiration of enhanced ACA subsidies will exacerbate these financial pressures, with projections suggesting that more than 22 million enrolled individuals could see their premiums surge by over 75%. This perfect storm of rising medical costs and subsidy losses will require employees to prepare for a substantial rise in their out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.
Click here to learn more
'Nordstrom 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.
'Nordstrom 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
Nordstrom 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 Nordstrom 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 Nordstrom 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 Nordstrom 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 Nordstrom.
📞 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 Nordstrom 401(k) plan?
The Nordstrom 401(k) plan is a retirement savings plan that allows eligible employees to save for their future by contributing a portion of their earnings before taxes.
How can I enroll in the Nordstrom 401(k) plan?
You can enroll in the Nordstrom 401(k) plan by accessing the employee benefits portal or contacting the HR department for guidance on the enrollment process.
What is the employer match for the Nordstrom 401(k) plan?
Nordstrom offers a matching contribution to your 401(k) plan, which typically matches a percentage of your contributions up to a certain limit, helping you save more for retirement.
When can I start contributing to the Nordstrom 401(k) plan?
Eligible employees can start contributing to the Nordstrom 401(k) plan after completing a specified waiting period, usually within the first few months of employment.
What types of investments are available in the Nordstrom 401(k) plan?
The Nordstrom 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds, allowing employees to choose investments that align with their retirement goals.
Can I change my contribution rate for the Nordstrom 401(k) plan?
Yes, you can change your contribution rate for the Nordstrom 401(k) plan at any time, subject to certain limits and guidelines set by the plan.
Is there a vesting schedule for Nordstrom's 401(k) matching contributions?
Yes, Nordstrom has a vesting schedule for its matching contributions, meaning that you must work for the company for a certain period before you fully own the employer contributions.
What happens to my Nordstrom 401(k) plan if I leave the company?
If you leave Nordstrom, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash it out (subject to taxes and penalties), or leave it in the Nordstrom plan if eligible.
Can I take a loan from my Nordstrom 401(k) plan?
Yes, Nordstrom allows employees to take loans from their 401(k) plan, subject to certain terms and conditions outlined in the plan documents.
Are there hardship withdrawal options available in the Nordstrom 401(k) plan?
Yes, Nordstrom offers hardship withdrawal options for employees facing financial difficulties, allowing access to funds under specific circumstances defined by the plan.
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: Nordstrom offers a defined benefit pension plan named the Nordstrom Retirement Plan.
Years of Service and Age Qualification: Employees are eligible for the Nordstrom Retirement Plan after 5 years of service, and they must be at least 55 years old to start receiving benefits.
Pension Formula: The pension benefits are calculated based on years of service and average salary. Specific formulas and details are outlined in the plan document.
Name of 401(k) Plan: The 401(k) plan offered by Nordstrom is named the Nordstrom 401(k) Savings Plan.
Qualification for 401(k) Plan: Employees are eligible to participate in the Nordstrom 401(k) Savings Plan from their first day of employment.
Company Match: Nordstrom provides a company match up to a certain percentage of the employee’s contributions.
Restructuring and Layoffs: In 2023, Nordstrom announced a restructuring plan aimed at streamlining its operations and improving profitability. This included a significant reduction in workforce, with several hundred employees being laid off as part of a broader strategy to reduce costs and enhance efficiency. The company stated that these changes were essential to adapt to shifting market conditions and consumer behavior. 2. Changes to Benefits and Pension Plans: In response to economic pressures, Nordstrom has made adjustments to its employee benefits and pension plans. The company has introduced changes to its 401(k) matching contributions, reducing the amount of company contributions to employee retirement accounts. Additionally, modifications were made to health benefits to control costs, affecting the coverage levels and out-of-pocket expenses for employees.**
Nordstrom offers stock options and RSUs as part of its employee compensation package. These benefits are available to various levels of employees, often including executives and key staff members. Stock options at Nordstrom give employees the right to purchase shares at a set price, while RSUs are company shares granted to employees after meeting certain conditions.
2022-2023: Nordstrom updated its healthcare plans to include enhanced mental health services and telehealth options. They also introduced flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs) to provide more financial flexibility for employees.
2024: There have been announcements of new partnerships with healthcare providers to improve access to quality care and reduce costs for employees. Nordstrom is focusing on preventive care and wellness programs.
/General/General%206.png?width=1280&height=853&name=General%206.png)
-2.png?width=300&height=200&name=office-builing-main-lobby%20(52)-2.png)
.webp?width=300&height=200&name=office-builing-main-lobby%20(27).webp)
-2.png)
.webp)