Why More CommScope Holding Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for CommScope Holding
CommScope Holding employs its workforce through an array of benefits, including health insurance offerings provided primarily by major insurers such as UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. These were selected due to their extensive national coverage and tailored plans that address various employee healthcare needs.
Predictions on Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
In 2026, healthcare costs are poised for dramatic increases, reflecting a perfect storm of factors affecting the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. Premiums for ACA plans are expected to rise sharply, with some states reporting hikes over 60%. This surge is driven by a combination of rising medical costs and the possible expiration of enhanced federal subsidies, which means that many enrollees could see their premiums skyrocket by over 75%. As a result, employees at CommScope Holding should strategically consider their healthcare options early to prepare for the financial implications ahead.
Click here to learn more
'CommScope Holding 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.
'CommScope Holding 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.
1
And for those with an FRA of 66, the increase if one waits until age 70 is closer to 32%.
1
CommScope Holding 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,
2
affecting many households and CommScope Holding 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.
3
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 CommScope Holding 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 CommScope Holding 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 CommScope Holding.
📞 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 CommScope Holding?
The 401(k) plan at CommScope Holding is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary on a tax-deferred basis.
How does CommScope Holding match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
CommScope Holding offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which typically matches a percentage of employee contributions, helping to boost retirement savings.
What are the eligibility requirements for the 401(k) plan at CommScope Holding?
Employees of CommScope Holding are generally eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of employment, typically within the first few months.
Can employees of CommScope Holding change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, employees at CommScope Holding can change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan at any time, subject to the plan’s rules.
Does CommScope Holding offer a Roth 401(k) option?
Yes, CommScope Holding offers a Roth 401(k) option, allowing employees to contribute after-tax dollars and potentially enjoy tax-free withdrawals in retirement.
What investment options are available in the CommScope Holding 401(k) plan?
The 401(k) plan at CommScope Holding typically includes a range of investment options, such as mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock.
How can employees at CommScope Holding access their 401(k) account information?
Employees of CommScope Holding can access their 401(k) account information online through the plan’s designated website or mobile app.
What happens to my 401(k) balance if I leave CommScope Holding?
If you leave CommScope Holding, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash it out, or leave it in the CommScope Holding plan if allowed.
Are there any fees associated with the CommScope Holding 401(k) plan?
Yes, the CommScope Holding 401(k) plan may have administrative fees and investment-related fees, which are disclosed in the plan documents.
Can employees take loans against their 401(k) at CommScope Holding?
Yes, employees at CommScope Holding may have the option to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to the plan’s terms and conditions.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Restructuring Announcement: In early 2024, CommScope announced a major restructuring plan, resulting in significant layoffs across its global operations. The restructuring is part of an effort to streamline operations and reduce costs amid declining revenues.
Additional Articles
Check Out Articles for CommScope Holding employees
For more information you can reach the plan administrator for CommScope Holding at 1100 CommScope Place Hickory, NC 28602; or by calling them at (828) 324-2200.
Further Information for CommScope Holding* Employees
-2.png?width=300&height=200&name=office-builing-main-lobby%20(52)-2.png)
.webp?width=300&height=200&name=office-builing-main-lobby%20(27).webp)
-2.png)
.webp)