Why More Topgolf Callaway Brands Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Topgolf Callaway Brands
Topgolf Callaway Brands partners primarily with UHC (UnitedHealth Group) for employee healthcare coverage. As one of the major players in the insurance market, UHC provides various healthcare plans to Topgolf employees, giving them access to a wide range of medical services and resources.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 for Topgolf Callaway Brands
As we approach 2026, Topgolf Callaway Brands employees may face significant increases in healthcare costs driven by a combination of factors. Premiums in the ACA marketplace are projected to rise sharply, with some states seeing hikes exceeding 60%. If enhanced federal subsidies are not renewed, 92% of policyholders could potentially see their out-of-pocket premiums surge by over 75%. Consequently, Topgolf employees should prepare for these financial strains by reviewing their health benefits and exploring strategies to mitigate increased expenses effectively.
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'Topgolf Callaway Brands 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.
'Topgolf Callaway Brands 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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Topgolf Callaway Brands 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 Topgolf Callaway Brands 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 Topgolf Callaway Brands 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 Topgolf Callaway Brands 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 Topgolf Callaway Brands.
📞 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 Topgolf Callaway Brands offer to its employees?
Topgolf Callaway Brands offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.
How can employees of Topgolf Callaway Brands enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Employees of Topgolf Callaway Brands can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
Is there a company match for contributions made to the 401(k) plan at Topgolf Callaway Brands?
Yes, Topgolf Callaway Brands provides a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, subject to certain limits.
What is the minimum contribution percentage required for employees at Topgolf Callaway Brands to receive the company match?
Employees at Topgolf Callaway Brands typically need to contribute at least 3% of their salary to qualify for the company match.
Can employees of Topgolf Callaway Brands choose how their 401(k) contributions are invested?
Yes, employees of Topgolf Callaway Brands can select from a variety of investment options for their 401(k) contributions.
What is the vesting schedule for the company match in the 401(k) plan at Topgolf Callaway Brands?
The vesting schedule for the company match at Topgolf Callaway Brands generally follows a standard schedule, which may vary based on tenure.
Are there any fees associated with the 401(k) plan at Topgolf Callaway Brands?
Yes, there may be administrative fees associated with the 401(k) plan at Topgolf Callaway Brands, which are disclosed in the plan documents.
How often can employees at Topgolf Callaway Brands change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) plan?
Employees at Topgolf Callaway Brands can typically change their contribution amounts on a quarterly basis.
What happens to the 401(k) plan if an employee leaves Topgolf Callaway Brands?
If an employee leaves Topgolf Callaway Brands, they have several options for their 401(k) plan, including rolling it over to another retirement account or cashing it out.
Does Topgolf Callaway Brands offer educational resources about the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Topgolf Callaway Brands provides educational resources and workshops to help employees understand their 401(k) plan options.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Topgolf Callaway Brands offers a 401(k) plan as part of its retirement benefits for employees. The plan allows eligible employees to contribute a percentage of their income into a tax-advantaged retirement account. For the years 2022, 2023, and 2024, Topgolf Callaway Brands maintained its defined contribution plan in alignment with IRS limits, which included annual contribution limits of $20,500 in 2022, $22,500 in 2023, and $23,000 in 2024, with catch-up contributions of $6,500 for those over 50 in 2022 and 2023, and $7,500 in 2024 (Wikipedia) (Pension Rights Center).
The company uses a 401(k) plan to attract and retain employees, offering matching contributions up to a certain percentage, typically around 4%, although exact figures may vary depending on the employee's role and location. Eligible employees can begin contributing to their 401(k) plan upon hire or after a short waiting period, with contributions vesting over a set number of years.
Topgolf Callaway Brands has announced multiple strategic reviews in 2023-2024, including the consideration of spinning off Topgolf to optimize the company's structure and increase shareholder value. In 2023, the company performed solidly in terms of revenue, reporting strong performance in its golf equipment segment and delivering over $4.28 billion in revenue. However, the company is actively considering cost-saving measures, including operational restructuring, that could lead to potential layoffs and benefit adjustments. Additionally, Topgolf Callaway Brands has been adjusting its pension and 401(k) plans, focusing on competitive retirement savings offerings to retain key talent in a challenging economic environment (Topgolf Callaway Brands) .
Topgolf Callaway Brands (MODG) offers stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) as part of its employee compensation strategy. In 2022, the company granted stock options primarily to senior executives and long-term employees. These stock options were issued under the MODG incentive program, aligning compensation with company performance (Topgolf Callaway Brands). In 2023, RSUs were expanded across the company to include mid-level managers, allowing broader employee participation in equity ownership. This helps align employee incentives with the company’s success (MyGolfSpy). The 2024 plan introduced additional vesting options to retain talent over the long term, targeting specific milestones within the company (MarketBeat).
Topgolf Callaway Brands provides a range of health benefits to its employees, focusing on comprehensive insurance packages, wellness programs, and preventive care. Specific healthcare-related terms and acronyms frequently associated with their offerings include PPO (Preferred Provider Organization), HSA (Health Savings Account), and EAP (Employee Assistance Program). Additionally, they offer dental, vision, and mental health services.
In 2023 and 2024, Topgolf Callaway Brands emphasized wellness initiatives, including mental health support, reflecting the broader trend in corporate healthcare strategies to integrate wellness with traditional health insurance. The company also made notable adjustments to its healthcare plans, particularly focusing on affordability and accessibility, by expanding telehealth services and preventive care benefits.
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