Why More Saia Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Saia
Saia, a leading transportation and logistics company, offers its employees access to health insurance through various providers, primarily utilizing the health plans available in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. As of now, specific healthcare providers associated with Saia may vary based on region and employee enrollment, but major insurers such as UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Cigna are commonly explored options within their offerings.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
As we approach 2026, Saia employees should prepare for significant healthcare cost increases. Due to rising medical expenses and anticipated adjustments in benefit structures, many employees may face a greater share of their healthcare costs. The ACA marketplace is expected to see premium hikes averaging around 20%, with some states reporting increases exceeding 60%. These changes signal a crucial need for Saia workers to understand their benefit options, maximize their health savings accounts, and carefully select their insurance plans to mitigate the impact of escalating healthcare expenses in the upcoming year.
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'Saia 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.
'Saia 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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Saia 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 Saia 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 Saia 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 Saia 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 Saia.
📞 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 Saia 401(k) plan?
The Saia 401(k) plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out, helping them build a nest egg for retirement.
How does Saia match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Saia offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which means that for every dollar an employee contributes, Saia will match a percentage up to a certain limit, enhancing the employee's retirement savings.
When can I enroll in the Saia 401(k) plan?
Employees can enroll in the Saia 401(k) plan during the initial eligibility period, which is typically upon hire, and during open enrollment periods thereafter.
What are the eligibility requirements for the Saia 401(k) plan?
To be eligible for the Saia 401(k) plan, employees generally need to be at least 21 years old and have completed a certain period of service, as defined in the plan documents.
Can I change my contribution rate to the Saia 401(k) plan?
Yes, employees can change their contribution rate to the Saia 401(k) plan at any time, subject to the plan's guidelines and limits.
What investment options are available in the Saia 401(k) plan?
The Saia 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, bonds, and target-date funds, allowing employees to choose based on their risk tolerance and retirement goals.
Does Saia allow for loans against my 401(k) balance?
Yes, Saia allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance under certain conditions, providing a way to access funds for emergencies or significant expenses.
What happens to my Saia 401(k) if I leave the company?
If you leave Saia, you have several options for your 401(k) balance, including rolling it over into an IRA or another employer's 401(k) plan, or cashing it out, though cashing out may incur taxes and penalties.
How can I access my Saia 401(k) account information?
Employees can access their Saia 401(k) account information through the plan's online portal or by contacting the plan administrator for assistance.
Are there any fees associated with the Saia 401(k) plan?
Yes, there may be administrative fees and investment fees associated with the Saia 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents and can vary based on the investment options selected.
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