New Update: Healthcare Costs Increasing by Over 60% in Some States. Will you be impacted?

Why More Advanced Micro Devices Employees Are Considering Social Security Early â€” And How Medicare Changes Play a Role

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Advanced Micro Devices: Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) utilizes a variety of healthcare providers, primarily partnering with major insurers for its employee health benefits. While specific arrangements may vary, AMD's health plans typically include coverage options from networks including UnitedHealthcare, Anthem, and others. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: As we approach 2026, employees of Advanced Micro Devices should brace for significant increases in healthcare costs. With projected record hikes in ACA marketplace premiums-some states seeing increases over 60%-employees may find a larger portion of their healthcare expenses shifted to them. Factors like the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies and continual medical cost inflation are driving these changes, potentially leading to out-of-pocket costs soaring by as much as 75%. In this challenging landscape, it's essential for employees to review benefit changes and make informed selections to mitigate the financial impact. Click here to learn more

'Advanced Micro Devices 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.

'Advanced Micro Devices 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 Advanced Micro Devices 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 Advanced Micro Devices 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 Advanced Micro Devices 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 Advanced Micro Devices 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 Advanced Micro Devices.

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.

Featured Video

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 is the 401k plan offered by Advanced Micro Devices?

The 401k plan offered by Advanced Micro Devices is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary on a tax-deferred basis.

How can employees of Advanced Micro Devices enroll in the 401k plan?

Employees of Advanced Micro Devices can enroll in the 401k plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

Does Advanced Micro Devices match employee contributions to the 401k plan?

Yes, Advanced Micro Devices offers a matching contribution to the 401k plan, which helps employees grow their retirement savings.

What is the maximum contribution limit for the 401k plan at Advanced Micro Devices?

The maximum contribution limit for the 401k plan at Advanced Micro Devices is in accordance with IRS guidelines, which may change annually.

Can employees of Advanced Micro Devices take loans against their 401k savings?

Yes, employees of Advanced Micro Devices may have the option to take loans against their 401k savings, subject to the plan's specific terms and conditions.

What investment options are available in the Advanced Micro Devices 401k plan?

The Advanced Micro Devices 401k plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds, allowing employees to tailor their portfolios.

How often can employees change their contribution amounts to the Advanced Micro Devices 401k plan?

Employees can typically change their contribution amounts to the Advanced Micro Devices 401k plan at any time, subject to the plan’s rules.

What happens to the 401k savings if an employee leaves Advanced Micro Devices?

If an employee leaves Advanced Micro Devices, they can roll over their 401k savings to another retirement account, cash out, or leave the funds in the current plan if permitted.

Are there any fees associated with the Advanced Micro Devices 401k plan?

Yes, the Advanced Micro Devices 401k plan may have administrative fees and investment-related fees, which are disclosed in the plan documents.

How can employees access their 401k account information at Advanced Micro Devices?

Employees can access their 401k account information through the online portal provided by the plan administrator or by contacting customer service.

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

AMD has announced a restructuring plan that includes layoffs across various departments to streamline operations and reduce costs. Additionally, the company is making adjustments to its employee benefits, including changes to its pension plan and 401(k) contributions.

Additional Articles

Check Out Articles for Advanced Micro Devices employees

For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Advanced Micro Devices at 2485 Augustine Drive Santa Clara, CA 95054; or by calling them at (408) 749-4000.