Why More General Electric Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for General Electric
General Electric (GE) employees typically have access to healthcare coverage through their employer-sponsored health plans. One of the prominent providers for GE is Cigna Healthcare, which offers a range of health insurance plans including medical, dental, and vision coverage tailored to accommodate GE employees.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
As we approach 2026, General Electric employees should brace for significant increases in healthcare costs. With insurance companies projecting premium hikes up to 66% in certain states, coupled with the potential expiration of enhanced federal subsidies, many workers could see their out-of-pocket expenses soar. A survey revealed that over half of employers plan to raise deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums, making it essential for GE employees to review their benefit options early and strategize for the rising costs. Failing to adapt could result in substantially higher healthcare spending for families at a time when affordability is more critical than ever.
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'General Electric 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.
'General Electric 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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General Electric 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 General Electric 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 General Electric 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 General Electric 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 General Electric.
📞 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 General Electric's 401(k) Savings Plan?
The primary purpose of General Electric's 401(k) Savings Plan is to help employees save for retirement by allowing them to contribute a portion of their salary into a tax-advantaged account.
How can employees of General Electric enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees of General Electric can enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan by accessing the company’s benefits portal and following the enrollment instructions provided there.
Does General Electric offer matching contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, General Electric offers matching contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which helps employees increase their retirement savings.
What types of investment options are available in General Electric's 401(k) Savings Plan?
General Electric's 401(k) Savings Plan typically offers a range of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds, allowing employees to choose based on their risk tolerance.
When can employees of General Electric start contributing to the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees of General Electric can start contributing to the 401(k) Savings Plan after they have completed their eligibility requirements, which usually include a waiting period.
What is the maximum contribution limit for General Electric's 401(k) Savings Plan?
The maximum contribution limit for General Electric's 401(k) Savings Plan is subject to IRS regulations and may change annually. Employees should refer to the latest IRS guidelines for the current limit.
Can employees of General Electric take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, General Electric allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan, subject to certain conditions and limits set by the plan.
How does General Electric's 401(k) Savings Plan handle employee contributions?
General Electric's 401(k) Savings Plan allows employees to set a percentage of their salary to be automatically deducted and contributed to their retirement account.
What happens to the 401(k) Savings Plan if an employee leaves General Electric?
If an employee leaves General Electric, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) Savings Plan balance to another retirement account, cash out, or leave the funds in the plan if permitted.
Is there a vesting period for General Electric's matching contributions in the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, General Electric has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, meaning employees must work for a certain period before they fully own those contributions.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
General Electric offers both a traditional defined benefit pension plan and a defined contribution 401(k) plan. The defined benefit plan provides retirement income based on years of service and final average pay. The 401(k) plan features company matching contributions and various investment options, including target-date funds and mutual funds. GE has frozen its defined benefit pension plan for new hires, shifting towards enhancing the defined contribution plan. Employees have access to financial planning tools and resources.
GE is continuing its restructuring efforts, which include significant layoffs and divestitures to streamline operations. The company is enhancing its retirement benefits, including 401(k) plans with company match and improved healthcare options. Staying knowledgeable about these benefits is crucial in the current political climate.
General Electric grants RSUs that vest over several years, giving employees shares upon vesting. They also provide stock options, allowing employees to buy shares at a set price.
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