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Why More UnitedHealth Group Employees Are Considering Social Security Early â€” And How Medicare Changes Play a Role

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for UnitedHealth Group The primary healthcare provider for UnitedHealth Group is UnitedHealthcare, which offers a variety of health insurance plans and services, including individual and employer-sponsored health plans, Medicaid, and Medicare products. UnitedHealthcare operates within the larger framework of UnitedHealth Group, which is one of the nation's leading health care companies. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 In 2026, healthcare costs are expected to rise sharply, primarily due to the expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies and escalating medical expenses. UnitedHealthcare has announced significant premium increases, particularly in states like New York, where rates may soar up to 66.4% for individual plans. This combination of factors could lead to out-of-pocket premium costs surging by over 75% for a substantial number of enrollees, thereby straining family budgets and potentially reducing access to affordable care for millions of Americans. As a result, both consumers and industry stakeholders will need to navigate an increasingly challenging landscape in the healthcare market., 'sources': [], 'images': [] Click here to learn more

'UnitedHealth Group 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.

'UnitedHealth Group 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 UnitedHealth Group 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 UnitedHealth Group 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 UnitedHealth Group 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 UnitedHealth Group 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 UnitedHealth Group.

ðŸ“ž 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.

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Articles you may find interesting:

Sources:

1. CNBC. ' Does it still make sense to wait to claim Social Security retirement benefits? ' by Lorie Konish. 29 Apr. 2025.
2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. ' 15 percent of private industry workers had access to a defined benefit retirement plan ,' 10 Apr. 2024.
3. Kaiser Family Foundation. “ Health Costs Consume a Large Portion of Income for Millions of People with Medicare ,' by Ochieng, Nancy; Juliette Cubanski; Tricia Neuman; Anthony Damico. 21 Aug. 2025.
Other Resources:
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 UnitedHealth Group offer to its employees?

UnitedHealth Group offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.

Does UnitedHealth Group match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, UnitedHealth Group provides a matching contribution to employees who participate in the 401(k) plan, subject to certain limits.

How can employees enroll in the UnitedHealth Group 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in the UnitedHealth Group 401(k) plan through the company's benefits portal during open enrollment or after they become eligible.

What is the eligibility requirement to participate in the UnitedHealth Group 401(k) plan?

Most employees at UnitedHealth Group are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service.

Can employees at UnitedHealth Group take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, UnitedHealth Group allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to the plan's terms and conditions.

What investment options are available in the UnitedHealth Group 401(k) plan?

The UnitedHealth Group 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.

Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in the UnitedHealth Group 401(k) plan?

Yes, UnitedHealth Group has a vesting schedule for the employer match, which means that employees must work for the company for a certain period to fully own the matched funds.

How often can employees change their contribution amounts to the UnitedHealth Group 401(k) plan?

Employees can change their contribution amounts to the UnitedHealth Group 401(k) plan at any time, subject to the plan's guidelines.

What happens to a UnitedHealth Group employee’s 401(k) account if they leave the company?

If a UnitedHealth Group employee leaves the company, they have several options for their 401(k) account, including rolling it over to another retirement account or leaving it with UnitedHealth Group.

Does UnitedHealth Group offer financial education resources for employees regarding their 401(k) plan?

Yes, UnitedHealth Group provides financial education resources and tools to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) savings.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

UnitedHealth Group provides a defined contribution 401(k) plan with company matching contributions. Employees can contribute pre-tax or Roth (after-tax) dollars, and UnitedHealth matches 100% of the first 3% and 50% of the next 2% of eligible compensation. The plan includes a variety of investment options, including target-date funds, mutual funds, and a brokerage account. UnitedHealth also offers an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) with a discount on company stock. Financial education resources and tools are available to help employees manage their retirement savings.

UnitedHealth Group offers both RSUs and stock options to its employees. RSUs vest over time, giving employees shares of the company, while stock options allow employees to purchase shares at a set price.