Why More Fiserv Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Fiserv: Fiserv is engaging in the healthcare sector through its Clover platform, which is set to launch PracticePay in early 2026. This service aims to cater specifically to small and medium-sized healthcare providers, partnering with Rectangle Health to offer tailored payment solutions that comply with healthcare regulations.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: As 2026 approaches, healthcare costs are expected to surge sharply, driven by multiple economic pressures. Insurers anticipate an average increase of 7.5% to 8.5% in individual and group medical costs, attributed to rising medical service expenses, labor shortages, and the potential termination of enhanced federal premium subsidies. Without intervention, many individuals enrolled in ACA plans may face premium hikes exceeding 75%, significantly affecting their out-of-pocket healthcare expenses and access to affordable coverage as we enter this challenging financial landscape.
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'Fiserv 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.
'Fiserv 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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Fiserv 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 Fiserv 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 Fiserv 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 Fiserv 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 Fiserv.
📞 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 primary purpose of Fiserv's 401(k) plan?
The primary purpose of Fiserv's 401(k) plan is to help employees save for retirement by providing a tax-advantaged savings vehicle.
How can Fiserv employees enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Fiserv employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
Does Fiserv offer matching contributions to its 401(k) plan?
Yes, Fiserv offers matching contributions to its 401(k) plan, which helps employees increase their retirement savings.
What types of investment options are available in Fiserv's 401(k) plan?
Fiserv's 401(k) plan typically offers a range of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock.
What is the vesting schedule for Fiserv's 401(k) matching contributions?
The vesting schedule for Fiserv's 401(k) matching contributions may vary, so employees should refer to the plan documents for specific details.
Can Fiserv employees take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, Fiserv employees may have the option to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to the plan's terms and conditions.
What is the minimum contribution percentage for Fiserv employees participating in the 401(k) plan?
The minimum contribution percentage for Fiserv employees is typically set at 1%, but employees are encouraged to contribute more to maximize their savings.
Are there any fees associated with Fiserv's 401(k) plan?
Yes, there may be fees associated with Fiserv's 401(k) plan, including administrative fees and investment management fees, which are disclosed in the plan documents.
How often can Fiserv employees change their contribution amounts?
Fiserv employees can change their contribution amounts at any time, subject to the plan's guidelines.
What happens to Fiserv employees' 401(k) savings if they leave the company?
If Fiserv employees leave the company, they can roll over their 401(k) savings to another retirement account, withdraw the funds, or leave the savings in the Fiserv plan if allowed.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Fiserv offers a comprehensive retirement program for its employees, which includes both a 401(k) plan and a pension plan. The 401(k) plan allows employees to contribute on a pre-tax basis, or on a post-tax basis through the Roth 401(k) feature. Fiserv matches 100% of the first 1% of an employee's contribution, and 50% of the next 4% of eligible compensation, providing a potential match up to 3% (Working at Fiserv, Inc.). This 401(k) plan, named the Fiserv Employee Savings Plan, is administered through Vanguard (Working at Fiserv, Inc.).
In addition to the 401(k), Fiserv also offers a defined benefit pension plan for long-serving employees, depending on their hire date (Working at Fiserv, Inc.). This plan typically includes employees who were part of First Data Corporation before its acquisition by Fiserv. The pension plan's eligibility criteria involve a combination of years of service and age qualification; typically, employees need at least five years of service and must be of retirement age, which is usually defined as 65 (Working at Fiserv, Inc.). However, specific details regarding the pension formula and years of service requirements were not explicitly stated on the documents accessed.
Restructuring and Layoffs: In early 2024, Fiserv announced a significant restructuring plan, which included a workforce reduction affecting approximately 5% of its global employees. This move was part of a broader effort to streamline operations and focus on core business areas amid challenging economic conditions. The decision to reduce the workforce reflects the company's strategy to adapt to shifting market demands and improve operational efficiency.
Fiserv provides stock options and RSUs as part of its compensation package. Fiserv issues stock options under the acronym SO and RSUs under the acronym RSU.
In 2022, 2023, and 2024, Fiserv employees, especially executives and key personnel, are eligible for these benefits. The specifics are detailed in the company's compensation sections of annual reports.
Fiserv Health Benefits Overview
1. Official Fiserv Website:
Health Insurance: Fiserv provides a range of health insurance options, including medical, dental, and vision plans. These options include PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) and HDHP (High Deductible Health Plan) plans.
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): Available for employees to save on out-of-pocket expenses.
Wellness Programs: Includes resources for mental health support, fitness programs, and preventive health services.
2. Glassdoor:
Employee Reviews: Employees appreciate the comprehensive benefits package which includes a range of health insurance plans and wellness incentives. Some have noted that while the benefits are robust, they may come with high deductibles depending on the plan chosen.
3. Indeed:
Health Benefits: Reviews indicate that Fiserv’s health benefits are competitive, offering multiple plan choices with various coverage levels. Employees also mention access to telemedicine services as a plus.
4. LinkedIn:
Benefits Overview: Includes detailed information on Fiserv’s health benefits such as medical, dental, and vision plans. Also highlights their emphasis on work-life balance and employee wellness programs.
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