Why More BlackRock Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for BlackRock
BlackRock, a global investment management firm, does not directly provide healthcare services. Instead, they invest in health-related companies and manage assets for clients in various sectors, including healthcare. The specific healthcare providers utilized by BlackRock for employee health benefits may vary based on their corporate policies and the selection of local networks across their operational regions.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
The healthcare landscape is projected to face significant challenges in 2026, primarily driven by sharp increases in Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums. Record hikes are anticipated, with some states, like New York, seeing rises of over 66%. This surge is heavily influenced by the potential expiration of enhanced federal subsidies that have kept costs manageable for many enrollees. Furthermore, escalating medical expenses combined with rising claims from hospitals and providers signal that consumers could see their out-of-pocket premiums jump by 75% or more. The combination of these factors highlights a troubling trend that could leave millions of Americans with limited options for affordable healthcare coverage.
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'BlackRock 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.
'BlackRock 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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BlackRock 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 BlackRock 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 BlackRock 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 BlackRock 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 BlackRock.
📞 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 type of retirement savings plan does BlackRock offer to its employees?
BlackRock offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.
How can employees at BlackRock enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Employees at BlackRock can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s HR portal during the enrollment period.
Does BlackRock match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, BlackRock provides a matching contribution to employee 401(k) plan contributions, subject to certain limits.
What is the maximum contribution limit for BlackRock's 401(k) plan?
The maximum contribution limit for BlackRock's 401(k) plan follows the IRS guidelines, which can change annually.
Can employees at BlackRock take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, BlackRock allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions.
What investment options are available in BlackRock's 401(k) plan?
BlackRock's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds and target-date funds.
Is there a vesting schedule for employer contributions in BlackRock's 401(k) plan?
Yes, BlackRock has a vesting schedule for employer contributions, which means employees must work for a certain period to fully own those contributions.
How often can employees at BlackRock change their 401(k) contribution amounts?
Employees at BlackRock can change their 401(k) contribution amounts at any time, subject to the plan’s guidelines.
What happens to a BlackRock employee's 401(k) if they leave the company?
If a BlackRock employee leaves the company, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account or withdraw the funds, subject to tax implications.
Does BlackRock provide educational resources for employees regarding their 401(k) plan?
Yes, BlackRock provides educational resources and tools to help employees understand and manage their 401(k) savings.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
BlackRock announced a significant restructuring plan, which includes substantial layoffs and changes to employee benefits. The company is also reviewing its pension and 401(k) plans to adjust to the current economic conditions. These changes are part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and reduce costs amid market uncertainties.
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