Why More Catalent Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Catalent
Catalent, a prominent player in the biopharmaceutical industry, collaborates with various healthcare providers to optimize its services. One of the notable healthcare partners for Catalent is UnitedHealthcare, which often works with organizations like Catalent to ensure streamlined processes in drug delivery and related healthcare services.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
In 2026, healthcare costs are expected to rise significantly, primarily driven by looming federal policies and medical inflation. Reports indicate that Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums may surge due to the potential expiration of enhanced premium subsidies, causing many policyholders to face out-of-pocket increases of over 75%. Insurers are already proposing steep rate hikes, with some states expected to see increases as high as 66%. This combination of factors, including rising healthcare service costs and more aggressive premium strategies from insurers, is set to intensify financial pressures on consumers in the coming year.
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'Catalent 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.
'Catalent 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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Catalent 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 Catalent 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 Catalent 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 Catalent 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 Catalent.
📞 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 the Catalent 401(k) Savings Plan?
The Catalent 401(k) Savings Plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save for their future by contributing a portion of their salary on a pre-tax or Roth after-tax basis.
How can I enroll in the Catalent 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can enroll in the Catalent 401(k) Savings Plan by accessing the benefits portal or contacting Human Resources for guidance on the enrollment process.
What are the eligibility requirements for the Catalent 401(k) Savings Plan?
To be eligible for the Catalent 401(k) Savings Plan, employees typically need to be at least 21 years old and have completed a specified period of service with the company.
Does Catalent offer a company match for the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, Catalent offers a company match for contributions made to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.
How much can I contribute to the Catalent 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can contribute up to the IRS annual limit to the Catalent 401(k) Savings Plan, which may vary each year. It’s important to check the current limits.
When can I start making contributions to the Catalent 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can start making contributions to the Catalent 401(k) Savings Plan after they complete the eligibility requirements and enroll in the plan.
Can I change my contribution amount in the Catalent 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, employees can change their contribution amount at any time during the year by accessing the benefits portal or contacting Human Resources.
What investment options are available in the Catalent 401(k) Savings Plan?
The Catalent 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds and target-date funds, allowing employees to choose based on their risk tolerance and retirement goals.
How often can I change my investment allocations in the Catalent 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can change their investment allocations in the Catalent 401(k) Savings Plan at any time, subject to the plan's trading restrictions.
What happens to my Catalent 401(k) Savings Plan if I leave the company?
If you leave Catalent, you have several options for your 401(k) Savings Plan, including rolling it over to another qualified plan, cashing it out, or leaving it in the Catalent plan if permitted.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Catalent's Pension Plan:
Catalent offers a comprehensive retirement benefits package designed to support its employees' financial wellness. The primary pension plan provided by Catalent is known as the "Catalent Pension Plan." This plan includes a defined benefit formula based on an employee’s years of service and final average pay. Typically, to qualify for the pension plan, employees must have a minimum of five years of service and be at least 55 years of age. The specific pension formula details and eligibility criteria are laid out in the employee benefits documentation provided internally by Catalent (Catalent) (Catalent Investor Relations) (FiercePharma).
Catalent's 401(k) Plan:
Catalent also offers a 401(k) plan to its employees, which is referred to as the "Catalent 401(k) Savings Plan." Employees are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan from their first day of employment. The company provides a generous matching contribution, where Catalent matches 50% of the first 6% of the employee's contributions. This plan is designed to help employees save for retirement with the added benefit of tax deferral on contributions and earnings
Catalent has been undergoing significant restructuring since 2023, including multiple rounds of layoffs affecting various facilities. In late 2023, the company laid off approximately 300 employees as part of a cost-cutting initiative aimed at consolidating its facilities. This was followed by further layoffs in early 2024, including the reduction of 130 staff members at its Bloomington, Indiana site, which is being sold to Novo Nordisk as part of a broader $16.5 billion acquisition deal expected to close by the end of 2024. The restructuring is driven by reduced demand for COVID-19-related services and a need to increase efficiency and reduce costs across its operations.
Importance: Addressing this news is crucial due to the current economic environment, where companies are navigating the aftermath of the pandemic, fluctuating demand, and economic pressures. These changes also reflect broader trends in the biopharma industry, where consolidation and cost-cutting measures are common as companies adjust to new market realities
Stock Options:
Catalent offers stock options to its employees as part of its long-term incentive plan. These options are designed to align the interests of employees with those of shareholders. Employees receive the right to purchase company stock at a predetermined price, known as the exercise price, after a specified vesting period.
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs):
Catalent also provides RSUs to its employees, which represent a promise to deliver shares of the company's stock in the future. RSUs typically vest over a period of time, encouraging employees to remain with the company. Once vested, the RSUs are converted into shares, which the employee can then sell or hold.
Catalent offers a comprehensive suite of health benefits to its employees, designed to meet diverse needs and foster a healthy lifestyle. Their health insurance plans cover a wide range of medical services, emphasizing both personal and financial wellness. Employees have access to wellness programs, which aim to manage healthcare costs and encourage a healthy lifestyle. These programs include health insurance, wellness incentives, and various support resources to balance work and personal life, such as generous paid time off and flexible work arrangements.
In 2022, 2023, and 2024, Catalent continued to enhance its benefits offerings, aligning them with industry standards and employee needs. Recent updates include tuition reimbursement, global scholarship programs for employees' children, and comprehensive retirement plans. The company has also been recognized for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, receiving accolades as a “Best Place to Work for People with Disabilities” for consecutive years.
Specific healthcare-related terms and acronyms frequently used by Catalent include "OptiDose® Design Solution," "RP Scherer Softgel Technology," and "OneXpress™ Solution," which refer to their proprietary technologies and approaches in pharmaceutical development and manufacturing.
Recent employee healthcare news highlights Catalent's ongoing efforts to support employee well-being. For instance, their 2023 Corporate Responsibility Report details initiatives in employee health and wellness, such as investments in diverse and inclusive workplace practices and contributions to STEM education
For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Catalent at 14 Schoolhouse Road Somerset, NJ 8873; or by calling them at +1 908-809-1300.
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