Why More Comcast Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Comcast
Comcast typically provides its employees with health insurance through Aetna. This large insurer offers a variety of health plans including medical, dental, and vision coverage, which allows employees to choose coverage that suits their health needs and financial situation.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
As projections for healthcare costs rise, 2026 is shaping up to be particularly challenging for Comcast employees and many other consumers. Health insurance premiums in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace are expected to increase significantly, with some states reporting hikes of over 60%. This surge is primarily caused by escalating medical costs, the potential expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies, and aggressive rate increases from major insurers. As a result, individuals may see their out-of-pocket premiums rise dramatically, with estimates suggesting increases exceeding 75% for many marketplace enrollees if subsidies are not renewed.
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'Comcast 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.
'Comcast 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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Comcast 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 Comcast 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 Comcast 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 Comcast 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 Comcast.
📞 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 Comcast 401(k) Savings Plan?
The Comcast 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 after-tax (Roth) basis.
How can I enroll in the Comcast 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can enroll in the Comcast 401(k) Savings Plan through the company’s benefits portal during the open enrollment period or within 30 days of their hire date.
What is the maximum contribution limit for the Comcast 401(k) Savings Plan?
For 2023, the maximum employee contribution limit to the Comcast 401(k) Savings Plan is $22,500, with an additional catch-up contribution of $7,500 for employees aged 50 and over.
Does Comcast offer any matching contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, Comcast offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) Savings Plan, matching 100% of the first 4% of employee contributions.
When can I start withdrawing from my Comcast 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can begin withdrawing from their Comcast 401(k) Savings Plan at age 59½, or earlier in cases of financial hardship or if they leave the company.
What investment options are available in the Comcast 401(k) Savings Plan?
The Comcast 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including target-date funds, index funds, and actively managed funds, allowing employees to choose based on their risk tolerance.
Can I take a loan from my Comcast 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, employees can take a loan from their Comcast 401(k) Savings Plan, subject to certain limits and repayment terms as outlined in the plan documents.
How can I change my contribution amount to the Comcast 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can change their contribution amount to the Comcast 401(k) Savings Plan through the benefits portal at any time, subject to plan rules.
Is there a vesting schedule for Comcast's matching contributions?
Yes, Comcast has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, which typically requires employees to work for a certain number of years before they fully own the matched funds.
What happens to my Comcast 401(k) Savings Plan if I leave the company?
If you leave Comcast, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) savings into another retirement account, leave the funds in the plan, or withdraw the balance, subject to taxes and penalties.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Comcast provides a defined contribution 401(k) plan with company matching contributions. Employees can contribute pre-tax or Roth (after-tax) dollars, and Comcast matches 100% of the first 4.5% of eligible compensation. The plan includes various investment options, such as target-date funds, mutual funds, and a self-directed brokerage account. Comcast also offers an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) with a discount on company stock. Financial planning resources and tools are available to help employees manage their retirement savings.
Comcast is planning further layoffs in 2024, with expected severance charges as part of ongoing cost-cutting measures. The company has already implemented layoffs across various divisions, including its Sky unit, and is focusing on outsourcing to manage costs. Comcast offers comprehensive benefits, including a 401(k) plan and health benefits. Understanding these benefits is essential given the current political and economic environment.
Comcast grants RSUs that vest over a period, providing shares upon vesting. Stock options are also part of their compensation plan, allowing employees to buy shares at a set price.
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