Why More Conduent Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Conduent:
Conduent is recognized as a leading provider of healthcare payer services. The company operates extensively within the healthcare sector, facilitating a range of solutions that enhance operational efficiencies for payers.
Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026:
As we look ahead to 2026, substantial healthcare cost increases are anticipated, driven largely by sharp hikes in Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums that could exceed 60% in some states. Insurers attribute these rate increases to a confluence of factors, including escalating medical costs, the potential loss of enhanced federal premium subsidies, and aggressive pricing from top insurers. This unsettling trend may lead to a staggering 75% increase in out-of-pocket premium costs for millions of consumers, constraining access to affordable healthcare options and significantly impacting budgeting for families nationwide.
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'Conduent 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.
'Conduent 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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Conduent 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 Conduent 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 Conduent 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 Conduent 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 Conduent.
📞 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 Conduent 401(k) plan?
The Conduent 401(k) plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their earnings in a tax-advantaged account to help prepare for retirement.
How can I enroll in the Conduent 401(k) plan?
Employees can enroll in the Conduent 401(k) plan by visiting the company’s benefits portal or contacting the HR department for guidance on the enrollment process.
What are the contribution limits for the Conduent 401(k) plan?
The contribution limits for the Conduent 401(k) plan are set annually by the IRS. Employees should check the latest IRS guidelines for the current limits.
Does Conduent offer a company match for the 401(k) contributions?
Yes, Conduent offers a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees to save more for retirement.
When can I start contributing to the Conduent 401(k) plan?
Employees can start contributing to the Conduent 401(k) plan after completing the eligibility requirements, which are outlined in the plan documents.
Can I change my contribution amount for the Conduent 401(k) plan?
Yes, employees can change their contribution amount for the Conduent 401(k) plan at any time, subject to the plan’s guidelines.
What investment options are available in the Conduent 401(k) plan?
The Conduent 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds, allowing employees to choose based on their risk tolerance and retirement goals.
How often can I make changes to my investment choices in the Conduent 401(k) plan?
Employees can typically make changes to their investment choices in the Conduent 401(k) plan on a quarterly basis or as specified in the plan documents.
What happens to my Conduent 401(k) plan if I leave the company?
If you leave Conduent, you have several options for your 401(k) plan, including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it with Conduent until you reach retirement age.
Is there a loan option available in the Conduent 401(k) plan?
Yes, the Conduent 401(k) plan may offer a loan option, allowing employees to borrow against their savings under specific conditions.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Layoffs and Restructuring: Conduent announced a significant reduction in its workforce, aiming to streamline operations and cut costs due to underperformance in its core business areas. The restructuring plan includes layoffs affecting approximately 15% of the global workforce.
For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Conduent at 100 Campus Drive Florham Park, NJ 7932; or by calling them at (844) 663-2638.
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