Why More Coherent Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Coherent
Coherent, Inc. is affiliated with health insurance providers such as UnitedHealthcare and Anthem BCBS, but specific information on any exclusive partnerships or particular health plans for Coherent's employees may vary based on regional availability and employer arrangements.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
As the Affordable Care Act (ACA) approaches 2026, significant premium hikes are anticipated, influenced by rising healthcare costs and the potential expiration of federal subsidies. Many consumers could see their out-of-pocket expenses soar by over 75%, as reported by the Kaiser Family Foundation-reflecting a perfect storm of increasing medical prices and insurance provider rate hikes. Healthcare consumers should be prepared for substantial out-of-pocket costs, as insurers like UnitedHealthcare and Anthem are projecting substantial increases in premiums, with states like New York potentially experiencing as much as a 66.4% rise in health insurance costs. Taking proactive steps now can help mitigate the financial impact in the coming year.
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'Coherent 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.
'Coherent 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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Coherent 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 Coherent 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 Coherent 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 Coherent 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 Coherent.
📞 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 401(k) plan offered by Coherent?
Coherent offers a 401(k) plan that allows employees to save for retirement through pre-tax contributions, helping them build a nest egg for the future.
How can employees at Coherent enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Employees at Coherent can enroll in the 401(k) plan during the onboarding process or during the annual open enrollment period by accessing the benefits portal.
Does Coherent match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Coherent provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.
What is the maximum contribution limit for Coherent's 401(k) plan?
The maximum contribution limit for Coherent's 401(k) plan is in line with IRS guidelines, which are updated annually. Employees should check the latest limits for the current year.
Can employees at Coherent take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, Coherent allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to certain terms and conditions outlined in the plan documents.
What investment options are available in Coherent's 401(k) plan?
Coherent's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to help employees diversify their portfolios.
When can employees at Coherent start withdrawing from their 401(k) accounts?
Employees at Coherent can typically start withdrawing from their 401(k) accounts at age 59½, though there are provisions for hardship withdrawals and loans.
Is there a vesting schedule for Coherent's 401(k) matching contributions?
Yes, Coherent has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, which means employees must work for the company for a certain period before they fully own the matched funds.
How often can employees at Coherent change their 401(k) contribution amounts?
Employees at Coherent can change their 401(k) contribution amounts at any time, subject to the plan's guidelines and policies.
What resources does Coherent provide to help employees understand their 401(k) plan?
Coherent provides educational resources, including seminars, webinars, and access to financial advisors to help employees understand their 401(k) plan and make informed decisions.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Coherent has announced a significant restructuring plan that includes a reduction of 10% of its global workforce and changes to its pension plan. The company is shifting its focus to high-growth areas, which necessitates these workforce adjustments.
For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Coherent at 5100 Patrick Henry Drive Santa Clara, CA 95054; or by calling them at (408) 764-4000.
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