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

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

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Agilent Technologies Agilent Technologies typically partners with major health insurance providers to facilitate healthcare services for its employees. As of now, specific details about Agilent Technologies' current provider are not clearly documented in public records. However, Agilent has been known to utilize a mix of regional providers and larger national insurance companies, providing employees with access to comprehensive healthcare plans. Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we look ahead to 2026, substantial healthcare cost increases are projected, with some marketplaces experiencing hikes of over 60%. This rise is fueled by a convergence of factors, including escalating medical expenses and the possible expiration of enhanced federal subsidies associated with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Experts warn that, without congressional intervention, the majority of marketplace enrollees could face exorbitant out-of-pocket costs, with some premiums surging by 75%. The landscape indicates a significant challenge for Agilent Technologies and its employees, as rising healthcare costs threaten to place an additional financial burden on both employers and workers. Click here to learn more

'Agilent Technologies 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.

'Agilent Technologies 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 Agilent Technologies 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 Agilent Technologies 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 Agilent Technologies 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 Agilent Technologies 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 Agilent Technologies.

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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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 Agilent Technologies offer to its employees?

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

Does Agilent Technologies provide a company match for its 401(k) contributions?

Yes, Agilent Technologies provides a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, which helps enhance retirement savings.

What is the eligibility requirement for Agilent Technologies' 401(k) plan?

Employees of Agilent Technologies are typically eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a certain period of service, usually within the first year of employment.

How can employees of Agilent Technologies enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees of Agilent Technologies can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s benefits portal or by contacting the human resources department for assistance.

What investment options are available in Agilent Technologies' 401(k) plan?

Agilent Technologies offers a variety of investment options in its 401(k) plan, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles tailored to different risk levels.

Can employees of Agilent Technologies change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees of Agilent Technologies can change their contribution percentage at any time, typically through the benefits portal or by contacting HR.

What is the maximum contribution limit for Agilent Technologies' 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for Agilent Technologies' 401(k) plan follows the IRS guidelines, which are updated annually. Employees should refer to the latest IRS limits for specifics.

Does Agilent Technologies allow for catch-up contributions in its 401(k) plan?

Yes, Agilent Technologies allows eligible employees who are 50 years or older to make catch-up contributions to their 401(k) plan, in accordance with IRS regulations.

What happens to the 401(k) plan if an employee leaves Agilent Technologies?

If an employee leaves Agilent Technologies, they have several options regarding their 401(k) plan, including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it with Agilent Technologies.

Are loans available from Agilent Technologies' 401(k) plan?

Yes, Agilent Technologies may allow employees to take loans from their 401(k) accounts, subject to certain conditions and limits outlined in the plan documents.

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

This news is crucial for employees and investors as it reflects Agilent's response to ongoing market challenges and macroeconomic conditions. The restructuring aims to reduce costs by $80 million annually, affecting all business segments. Understanding these changes is essential in the context of the current economic environment and the company's future growth strategies https://www.medtechdive.com/news/agilent-layoffs-400-workers-site-closures/703299/ https://www.labpulse.com/business-insights/trends-and-finance/article/15660806/agilent-technologies-to-cut-jobs-close-facilities-in-restructuring-plan

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Agilent Technologies at 5301 Stevens Creek Boulevard Santa Clara, CA 95051; or by calling them at (408) 345-8886.