Why More Autodesk Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Autodesk
Autodesk primarily offers healthcare benefits to its employees through various insurance providers. The specific providers can vary based on location and employee choice, but notable insurers often include UnitedHealthcare, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Kaiser Permanente. These companies typically provide a spectrum of health plans including but not limited to HMO, PPO, and high-deductible plans that align with the company's wellness initiatives and employee health needs.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
Healthcare costs are projected to rise significantly for Autodesk employees in 2026, largely influenced by steep increases in Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums. As various states anticipate rate hikes that could exceed 60%, the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies could further exacerbate this situation, leading to average premium increases of more than 75% for many enrollees. Coupled with ongoing inflationary pressures in the healthcare industry-such as rising costs for medical services and high-priced pharmaceuticals-these factors are likely to result in a financially challenging landscape for employees as they navigate their health insurance options. Strategic planning will be vital for employees to manage these rising costs effectively.
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'Autodesk 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.
'Autodesk 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.
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And for those with an FRA of 66, the increase if one waits until age 70 is closer to 32%.
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Autodesk 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,
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affecting many households and Autodesk 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.
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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 Autodesk 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 Autodesk 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 Autodesk.
📞 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.
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 Autodesk's 401(k) plan?
Autodesk's 401(k) plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out, helping them to build a nest egg for retirement.
How can Autodesk employees enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Autodesk employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
Does Autodesk offer a company match for its 401(k) contributions?
Yes, Autodesk offers a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees boost their retirement savings.
What is the maximum contribution limit for Autodesk's 401(k) plan?
The maximum contribution limit for Autodesk's 401(k) plan aligns with IRS guidelines, which may change annually. Employees should check the latest limits on the IRS website or consult HR.
Can Autodesk employees change their contribution percentage at any time?
Yes, Autodesk employees can change their contribution percentage at any time, typically through the HR portal or by contacting HR.
What investment options are available in Autodesk's 401(k) plan?
Autodesk's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds, allowing employees to choose based on their risk tolerance and retirement goals.
When can Autodesk employees start withdrawing from their 401(k) plan?
Autodesk employees can start withdrawing from their 401(k) plan at age 59½, but there are specific rules and potential penalties for early withdrawals.
Does Autodesk provide financial education resources for employees regarding their 401(k)?
Yes, Autodesk provides financial education resources and workshops to help employees understand their 401(k) options and make informed decisions about their retirement savings.
What happens to Autodesk employees' 401(k) accounts if they leave the company?
If Autodesk employees leave the company, they have several options for their 401(k) accounts, including rolling over the funds to a new employer's plan or to an individual retirement account (IRA).
Can Autodesk employees take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, Autodesk allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to certain terms and conditions outlined in the plan.
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 significant due to the ongoing economic volatility, which has prompted companies to streamline operations and cut costs. The shift to a subscription model reflects broader trends in the tech industry toward recurring revenue streams, essential for investors to monitor. Additionally, understanding the impact on employment and the company's strategic direction is crucial for stakeholders navigating the current tax and political environment (TheLayoff.com) (3DPrint).
For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Autodesk at 111 McInnis Pkwy San Rafael, CA 94903; or by calling them at +1 415-507-5000.
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