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Why More Crown Castle International Employees Are Considering Social Security Early â€” And How Medicare Changes Play a Role

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'Crown Castle International 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.

'Crown Castle International 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 Crown Castle International 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 Crown Castle International 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 Crown Castle International 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 Crown Castle International 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 Crown Castle International.

ðŸ“ž 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.

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Sources:

1. CNBC. ' Does it still make sense to wait to claim Social Security retirement benefits? ' by Lorie Konish. 29 Apr. 2025.
2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. ' 15 percent of private industry workers had access to a defined benefit retirement plan ,' 10 Apr. 2024.
3. Kaiser Family Foundation. “ Health Costs Consume a Large Portion of Income for Millions of People with Medicare ,' by Ochieng, Nancy; Juliette Cubanski; Tricia Neuman; Anthony Damico. 21 Aug. 2025.
Other Resources:
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 type of retirement savings plan does Crown Castle International offer to its employees?

Crown Castle International offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

Does Crown Castle International provide a company match for contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Crown Castle International provides a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, subject to certain limits.

What is the eligibility requirement to participate in Crown Castle International's 401(k) plan?

Employees of Crown Castle International are generally eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service.

Can employees of Crown Castle International change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees of Crown Castle International can change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan at designated times throughout the year.

What investment options are available in Crown Castle International's 401(k) plan?

Crown Castle International's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.

How often can employees of Crown Castle International make changes to their investment allocations in the 401(k) plan?

Employees of Crown Castle International can typically make changes to their investment allocations on a quarterly basis or as specified in the plan documents.

Is there a vesting schedule for the company match in Crown Castle International's 401(k) plan?

Yes, Crown Castle International has a vesting schedule for the company match, which determines how much of the matching contributions employees are entitled to based on their years of service.

What is the maximum contribution limit for Crown Castle International's 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for Crown Castle International's 401(k) plan is set according to IRS guidelines, which can change annually.

Does Crown Castle International allow employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Crown Castle International allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan.

What happens to an employee's 401(k) balance if they leave Crown Castle International?

If an employee leaves Crown Castle International, they have several options regarding their 401(k) balance, including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it in the Crown Castle International plan if eligible.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

Crown Castle International announced a restructuring plan which includes reducing its workforce by 10% to streamline operations and cut costs. They also introduced changes to their employee benefits, including modifications to their 401(k) match program. Additionally, the company is adjusting its pension plan to better align with current financial conditions.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Crown Castle International at 1220 Augusta Dr. Houston, TX 77057; or by calling them at 713-570-3000.