Dun & Bradstreet Holdings Retirees Face Rising Health Care Costs: What You Need to Know

'With rising premiums, shifting federal programs, and mounting medical debt, Dun & Bradstreet Holdings employees must take a more deliberate approach to budgeting for health care in retirement to help avoid financial pitfalls that could derail long-term plans.' – Paul Bergeron, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'As health care policy continues to evolve, Dun & Bradstreet Holdings employees should regularly revisit their retirement strategies to account for potential coverage gaps and unexpected medical expenses that could strain fixed budgets.' – Tyson Mavar, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article we will discuss:

How rising health care premiums and shrinking federal support may affect pre-Medicare retirees.
The impact of medical debt, weakened consumer protections, and changing credit rules on retirement outcomes.
Adjustments to Medicaid and government health care programs that could disrupt early retirement plans.

Health Care Costs Continue to Climb for Retirees

The following article has been revised to reflect recent changes in health care policy and economics for individuals with longstanding corporate careers. Dun & Bradstreet Holdings retirees and employees preparing for retirement are experiencing higher medical expenses, tighter household budgets, and new health care regulations—an especially relevant concern for those managing fixed incomes or long-term savings goals.

Premiums Rising, Coverage Shrinking

One key factor driving up costs is the anticipated end of Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium subsidies. If these subsidies expire, annual out-of-pocket premiums could increase by an average of $1,247—a 75% jump. ¹ This would affect Dun & Bradstreet Holdings retirees relying on ACA plans prior to Medicare eligibility. Additionally, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), passed in July 2025, calls for nearly $1 trillion in cuts to federal health care spending, with Medicaid bearing the brunt over the next ten years. ²

These reductions could result in up to 10.9 million Americans losing health care coverage by 2034, according to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). ³

Eroding Consumer Protections

Policy changes are also exposing Dun & Bradstreet Holdings retirees to greater financial stress. A federal ruling overturned a consumer-friendly rule that prevented medical debts over $500 from appearing on credit reports. ⁴ As a result, credit scores for millions could be affected—an issue that carries implications for mortgages, employment applications, and other financial decisions during retirement transitions.

The Weight of Medical Debt

Across the country, medical debt remains a persistent challenge: ⁵

- 40% of adults report having dental or medical debt.
- 1 in 6 borrowed money or used credit cards to pay off medical bills.
- Over 20 million owe $250 or more; 14 million owe over $1,000; and 3 million owe more than $10,000.
- Adults aged 50–64 carry more debt than those 65–79 due to delayed Medicare access.

These statistics underscore the pressure on Dun & Bradstreet Holdings employees who retire before reaching Medicare eligibility.

Health Decisions at Risk

According to Tyson Mavar, a financial advisor with Wealth Enhancement, 'Credit scores may not be affected for those who hold medical debt, potentially resulting in delayed treatment.' This concern is amplified for Dun & Bradstreet Holdings retirees who may have limited health care coverage and rising expenses.

While some households cope with medical debt by cutting back on food and housing, depleting savings, or borrowing more, these approaches only serve to contribute to poorer health and higher stress.

Government Program Adjustments

Medicaid changes under OBBBA bring added burdens, particularly for early retirees in rural areas. Adjustments include stricter eligibility verification, new work requirements, and increased co-pays of up to $35 per visit for those near the poverty line. These revisions may impact millions of rural Americans and bring added stress to rural health care facilities that are already stretched thin.

A $50 billion Rural Hospital Transformation Fund was announced, but it is expected to address just 37% of anticipated losses and is set to expire by 2032. ⁶

Why It Matters for Dun & Bradstreet Holdings Families

Recent health care changes are reshaping retirement planning. Even though Dun & Bradstreet Holdings offers a range of employee benefits and retirement options, not all workers transition into Medicare or employer-based retiree coverage without gaps. According to Fidelity, a 65-year-old individual retiring in 2025 may need to spend $172,500 health care throughout retirement—not including long-term care. ⁷

Future policy shifts could add thousands more to that estimate. Keeping an eye on health care policy and evaluating benefit elections are now essential components of retirement planning.

The Bottom Line

Navigating today’s health care system is like taking a road trip with higher tolls, fewer exits, and less reliable maps. Dun & Bradstreet Holdings employees near or in retirement are encountering a shifting landscape of costs, coverage, and legal rules. If these developments are overlooked, retirement plans may be exposed to financial disruptions that are difficult to recover from.

Being proactive with coverage reviews, medical budgeting, and credit management can help retirees steer clear of costly missteps and adapt to an increasingly complex health care environment.

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Sources:

1. Business Insider. “ Millions of Americans could pay up to $1,247 more for Affordable Care Act health insurance next year ,' by Juliana Kaplan, 23 July 2025.

2. The Guardian. “ Democrats Use New Tactic to Highlight Trump’s Gutting of Medicaid ,” by Stephanie Kirchgaessner, 27 July 2025.

3. USA Today. ' Neary 11 million Americians would lose insurance under Trump's tax bill, analysis says ,' by Ken Alltucker, 4 June 2025.

4. Medicare Rights Center. ' Federal Court Reverses Federal Medical Debt Protections ,' by Julie Carter, 31 July 2025.

5. Peterson-KFF, Health System Tracker. ' The burden of medical debt in the United States ,' by S. Rakshit, M. Rae, G. Claxton, K. Amin, and C. Cox, 12 Feb. 2024.

6. KFF. ' A Closer Look at the $50 Billion Rural Health Fund in the New Reconciliation Law ,' by Zachary Levinson and Tricia Neuman, 4 Aug. 2025.

7. Fidelity. ' How to plan for rising health care costs ,' Fidelity Viewpoints, 12 Aug. 2024.

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

Dun & Bradstreet Holdings offers its employees both a pension plan and a 401(k) plan. The pension plan, referred to as the Dun & Bradstreet Retirement Account, is based on credited service and compensation earned prior to the freeze date of July 1, 2007. This plan follows a traditional defined benefit structure, with benefits calculated using years of service and final average pay. The retirement plan's normal retirement age is typically 65, though employees may become eligible for early retirement based on age and years of service. Participants in the pension plan have access to their benefits at age 59½ with applicable reductions. Dun & Bradstreet employees who were part of the pension plan before July 1, 2007, continue to accrue benefits under this plan (Aon). The company also provides a 401(k) plan known as the Dun & Bradstreet 401(k) Plan, administered by Fidelity. Employees can contribute between 1% to 75% of their annual compensation as regular or catch-up contributions. The company matches contributions up to 7%, although the match percentage varies by employee and is subject to the IRS contribution limits. Eligibility for participation in the 401(k) plan typically requires employees to be at least 21 years old and to have completed at least 1,000 hours of service within a calendar year. The 401(k) plan is flexible, allowing employees to choose between traditional pre-tax contributions and Roth post-tax contributions

Restructuring and Layoffs: Dun & Bradstreet Holdings has been undertaking a significant restructuring plan to streamline its operations and enhance efficiency. In late 2023, the company announced a reduction in its workforce as part of this initiative. This move is aimed at consolidating its global operations and focusing on core business areas. Given the current economic and investment environment, including fluctuations in market performance and evolving tax policies, it is crucial for employees and stakeholders to stay informed about such changes. Understanding these developments can help in making informed decisions about career and investments.

Dun & Bradstreet Holdings offers stock options and RSUs as part of its employee compensation package. Stock options typically provide employees the right to purchase shares at a set price, while RSUs are granted as company shares without a purchase requirement. According to the 2022 10-K filing, stock options and RSUs are awarded to key employees, executives, and directors based on performance and tenure

Dun & Bradstreet Holdings offers comprehensive health benefits to its employees, designed to support their well-being and work-life balance. The company's healthcare benefits include a variety of health plans such as PPOs and high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). They also provide access to dental, vision, and mental health services. Key healthcare-related terms and acronyms used by the company include: HDHP: High-Deductible Health Plan, allowing employees to pay lower premiums with higher out-of-pocket costs. HSA: Health Savings Account, available for employees enrolled in HDHPs, allowing them to save money pre-tax for medical expenses. EAP: Employee Assistance Program, providing confidential support for employees dealing with personal or work-related issues, including mental health resources. Dun & Bradstreet also encourages a holistic approach to wellness through its Wellness Program, offering employees resources and tools to maintain physical and mental health. In recent years, the company has expanded its telehealth options, allowing employees to access healthcare providers virtually, which gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic