Why More Sanderson Farms Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
'Sanderson Farms 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.
'Sanderson Farms 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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Sanderson Farms 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 Sanderson Farms 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 Sanderson Farms 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 Sanderson Farms 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 Sanderson Farms.
📞 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 primary purpose of the 401(k) plan offered by Sanderson Farms?
The primary purpose of the 401(k) plan at Sanderson Farms is to help employees save for retirement by providing a tax-advantaged savings option.
Does Sanderson Farms match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Sanderson Farms offers a matching contribution to employee 401(k) accounts, which helps to enhance retirement savings.
What types of contributions can employees make to the Sanderson Farms 401(k) plan?
Employees at Sanderson Farms can make pre-tax contributions, Roth contributions, and possibly after-tax contributions, depending on the plan's provisions.
How can employees enroll in the Sanderson Farms 401(k) plan?
Employees can enroll in the Sanderson Farms 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment process through the company’s HR portal or by speaking with a benefits representative.
What is the vesting schedule for employer contributions in the Sanderson Farms 401(k) plan?
The vesting schedule for employer contributions at Sanderson Farms typically follows a graded vesting schedule, which means employees earn ownership of the contributions over a set period.
Can Sanderson Farms employees take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, Sanderson Farms allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to certain terms and conditions outlined in the plan.
What investment options are available in the Sanderson Farms 401(k) plan?
The Sanderson Farms 401(k) plan offers a range of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and possibly company stock, allowing employees to diversify their portfolios.
Is there a minimum contribution requirement for the Sanderson Farms 401(k) plan?
Yes, Sanderson Farms may have a minimum contribution requirement for employees participating in the 401(k) plan, which is typically communicated during the enrollment process.
How often can Sanderson Farms employees change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) plan?
Employees at Sanderson Farms can typically change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) plan on a quarterly basis or as specified in the plan guidelines.
What happens to my Sanderson Farms 401(k) if I leave the company?
If you leave Sanderson Farms, you have several options for your 401(k), including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it in the Sanderson Farms plan if allowed.
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