Why More Franklin Resources Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Franklin Resources
Franklin Resources, Inc., commonly known as Franklin Templeton, typically collaborates with various healthcare providers depending on the specific needs of its employees and plans. While they do not publicly list a single healthcare provider, companies like Aetna, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare often serve large corporations like Franklin Resources for group health insurance and benefits.
Predicted Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 for Franklin Resources
As 2026 approaches, Franklin Resources faces significant challenges regarding healthcare costs. A perfect storm of factors is contributing to anticipated sharp increases in premiums, with some states expecting hikes over 60%. The looming expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies will leave many policyholders exposing them to potential out-of-pocket cost increases of more than 75%. Meanwhile, coupled with a general uptick in medical costs-primarily due to inflation and rising demand for care-the financial burden on employees could become substantial moving forward. Organizations like Franklin must prepare both strategically and financially for this impending shift in the healthcare landscape.
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'Franklin Resources 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.
'Franklin Resources 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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Franklin Resources 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 Franklin Resources 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 Franklin Resources 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 Franklin Resources 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 Franklin Resources.
📞 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 retirement savings options does Franklin Resources offer to its employees?
Franklin Resources offers a 401(k) plan as part of its employee benefits package, allowing employees to save for retirement.
How does Franklin Resources match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Franklin Resources provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, typically matching a percentage of the employee's contributions up to a certain limit.
Can employees of Franklin Resources choose how to invest their 401(k) contributions?
Yes, employees at Franklin Resources can select from a variety of investment options within the 401(k) plan to tailor their retirement savings according to their risk tolerance and financial goals.
What is the eligibility requirement for Franklin Resources employees to participate in the 401(k) plan?
Employees of Franklin Resources are generally eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, typically within their first year of employment.
Does Franklin Resources offer any educational resources for employees to learn about their 401(k) options?
Yes, Franklin Resources provides educational resources, including workshops and online tools, to help employees understand their 401(k) options and make informed investment decisions.
How can employees of Franklin Resources access their 401(k) account information?
Employees can access their 401(k) account information through the Franklin Resources employee portal or by contacting the plan administrator directly.
What types of contributions can employees make to the 401(k) plan at Franklin Resources?
Employees at Franklin Resources can make pre-tax contributions, Roth contributions, and possibly after-tax contributions, depending on the plan's provisions.
Is there a vesting schedule for the matching contributions made by Franklin Resources?
Yes, Franklin Resources typically has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, meaning employees must work for a certain period before they fully own those contributions.
Can employees take loans against their 401(k) balance at Franklin Resources?
Yes, Franklin Resources allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to the plan's rules and limits.
What happens to an employee's 401(k) plan if they leave Franklin Resources?
If an employee leaves Franklin Resources, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) balance into an IRA or a new employer's retirement plan, or they can cash out, 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.
In 2024, Franklin Resources announced a major restructuring plan that includes significant layoffs across various departments. The company is also revising its pension plan, which will impact future retirees. Furthermore, changes to the 401(k) matching contributions are expected.
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