For many employees approaching age 65, the shift from employer benefits to Medicare can feel like stepping into the unknown. It’s a time of both anticipation and uncertainty when employer support is critical. Unfortunately, a recent MetLife study revealed that perceptions of employees being cared for by their employers dropped sharply from 60% in 2024 to 52% in 2025.
The message speaks volumes: Many senior employees are feeling less supported at work these days. This opens a wonderful opportunity for employers to stand out by providing something that’s often missed — clear guidance on the transition to Medicare and an understanding of supplemental coverage like Medicare Advantage.
Communication that builds confidence
Even before retirement, benefits can be a source of stress. In fact, 86% of employees say they are confused about their benefits, and for employees approaching retirement, that confusion can be amplified by Medicare.1 Without the right information, employees can miss enrollment deadlines, incur unnecessary costs and create compliance missteps.
Providing education and guidance helps employees navigate their options with confidence and shows that you care about their well-being beyond their working years. Since holistic health — including physical, social and financial — affects key metrics like engagement and productivity, which have fallen 5 to 8 points this year, offering benefits and Medicare support can also boost your company's bottom line.2
Clarity that eases financial worries
Financial stress is one of the biggest distractions for employees. Recent studies show that 71% of workers say financial stress affects their health, while 78% of employers say it affects operations. In addition, U.S. employees spend an average of four hours per week worrying about their personal finances on the job, taking their valuable focus away from their work3
It also offers practical value. The 2023 Medicare drug price negotiation initiative is expected to save Part D enrollees $1.5 billion when it takes effect in 2026, with average discounts of 63% across major drugs.4 When employers share updates like this, they help employees see the long-term value of Medicare and ease their anxiety about retirement healthcare costs.
Expanding choice and confidence with Medicare Advantage
For many employees, Medicare Advantage plans offer added value through bundled benefits and coordinated care. These plans can simplify coverage by combining hospital, medical and prescription benefits into a single plan — often with extras like dental, vision and wellness programs.
Medicare Advantage can be a practical, cost-effective choice for retirees, offering predictable expenses and expanded coverage. Employers who help employees understand these options show they’re invested in more than just the basics and empower them to make informed decisions that fit their health and financial goals.
Stand out with care that goes beyond the workplace
Supporting employees through Medicare transitions isn’t just a benefits decision — it’s a cultural one. It tells your people that you value them at every stage of their journey. In turn, it strengthens trust, reduces confusion and builds a reputation for compassion and integrity.
As fewer employers provide retiree health benefits, extending Medicare guidance shows you care about your people well into retirement. Among large employers with 200 or more employees, the share offering retiree health benefits dropped from 29% in 2020 to 21% in 2023. Yet, among those still offering retiree benefits, 56% now do so through Medicare Advantage plans — more than double the share from 2017.5
These shifts show that while direct retiree coverage is shrinking, interest in Medicare Advantage and guidance is growing. Employers that help employees understand these options are building lasting goodwill and demonstrating a culture of care that doesn’t end with employment.
Show your employees you care — at every stage of their journey
Prioritizing communication and education around key transitions like Medicare helps build goodwill and loyalty with your employees, supporting engagement and overall well-being. Helping employees make confident choices isn’t just good business — it’s how you show your people they matter, at every stage of life.
To ensure your team receives up-to-date advice tailored to their needs, partner with your local Highstreet agent. Our team is ready to help your employees make confident choices about their coverage and retirement transitions.
Connect with your Highstreet agent today
Source:
- Business Solver (2025). 2025 Benefits Insights Report.
- Business Solver (2025). 2025 Benefits Insights Report.
- PNC (2025). 2025 Financial Wellness in the Workplace Report.
- Brown & Brown (2025). Employee Benefits Market Trends.
- KFF (2024). Medicare Advantage Has Become More Popular Among the Shrinking Share of Employers That Offer Retiree Health Benefits.
Not affiliated or endorsed by the Federal Government or Medicare program. We may not offer every plan in every area. Any information we provide will be limited to those plans we do offer. Contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) for information on all of your options.
