Why More Graham Holdings Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Graham Holdings
Graham Holdings does not operate a direct healthcare provider but has significant involvement in the healthcare sector primarily through Graham Healthcare Group, which provides home health and hospice services. This segment has seen substantial growth, contributing to the company's overall revenue.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
As 2026 approaches, notable increases in healthcare costs, particularly for those enrolled in Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans, are projected. Premiums could rise sharply, with some states experiencing hikes over 60%. The combination of increased medical costs, the expiration of enhanced premium subsidies, and substantial rate requests from major insurers may lead to out-of-pocket premiums surging by up to 75% for many Americans. These shifts underscore the importance of preparatory measures in 2025 to mitigate financial impacts, particularly for consumers facing high deductibles and limited coverage choices.
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'Graham Holdings 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.
'Graham Holdings 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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Graham Holdings 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 Graham Holdings 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 Graham Holdings 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 Graham Holdings 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 Graham Holdings.
📞 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 types of retirement plans does Graham Holdings offer to its employees?
Graham Holdings offers a 401(k) Savings Plan as part of its retirement benefits for employees.
How can I enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan at Graham Holdings?
Employees can enroll in the Graham Holdings 401(k) Savings Plan by completing the enrollment process through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
Does Graham Holdings match employee contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, Graham Holdings provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which enhances the savings potential for employees.
What is the maximum contribution limit for the 401(k) Savings Plan at Graham Holdings?
The maximum contribution limit for the Graham Holdings 401(k) Savings Plan aligns with IRS regulations, which may change annually.
When can I start contributing to the Graham Holdings 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can typically start contributing to the Graham Holdings 401(k) Savings Plan after completing their initial onboarding period.
Can I change my contribution percentage to the 401(k) Savings Plan at Graham Holdings?
Yes, employees at Graham Holdings can change their contribution percentage at any time, subject to the plan’s guidelines.
What investment options are available in the Graham Holdings 401(k) Savings Plan?
The Graham Holdings 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.
Is there a vesting schedule for the matching contributions at Graham Holdings?
Yes, Graham Holdings has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, which means employees must work for the company for a certain period to fully own those contributions.
How can I access my account information for the Graham Holdings 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can access their account information for the Graham Holdings 401(k) Savings Plan through the plan’s online portal or by contacting the plan administrator.
What happens to my 401(k) Savings Plan if I leave Graham Holdings?
If you leave Graham Holdings, you will have several options regarding your 401(k) Savings Plan, including rolling it over to another retirement account or leaving it in the plan, depending on the balance.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Graham Holdings provides both pension plans and 401(k) plans for its employees. In terms of their pension plan, Graham Holdings offers a defined benefit pension plan, which provides monthly retirement income based on a formula that considers factors such as the employee's years of service and final average pay. Employees are typically eligible for this pension plan after completing a certain number of years of service, with full benefits generally available at retirement age. The pension plan also includes specific spousal and survivor benefits, ensuring that a portion of the pension may continue to be paid to the surviving spouse.
The 401(k) plan at Graham Holdings allows employees to contribute a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis, with the company often providing matching contributions up to a certain percentage. The plan has annual contribution limits set by the IRS, with additional catch-up contributions allowed for employees aged 50 and above. The company's 401(k) plan is designed to complement the pension plan, providing a defined contribution savings option that employees can invest in various funds offered by the plan.
News: In 2023, Graham Holdings continued to restructure its workforce, affecting various divisions. Alongside this, the company implemented changes in its employee benefit plans, including adjustments to pension offerings and 401(k) contributions. A notable development was the purchase of a group annuity to transfer some pension liabilities, reflecting the company’s effort to manage its long-term financial obligations. Importance: This news is crucial to monitor because of the current economic uncertainties, rising interest rates, and potential tax implications. Addressing these changes is essential for employees to make informed financial decisions amidst a volatile political environment.
Graham Holdings Company (GHC) offers a variety of stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) to its employees as part of its compensation and incentive programs. These equity compensation tools are designed to align employee interests with those of shareholders, providing long-term incentives tied to company performance.
For stock options, Graham Holdings uses Incentive Stock Options (ISOs), which allow employees to purchase shares at a set price, often the market value at the time the option is granted, after a specific vesting period. These options are typically available to full-time employees and senior executives, and the vesting schedule often spans several years. The ISOs are subject to specific tax treatment under the Internal Revenue Code, which can provide tax benefits if the options are held for a certain period before being sold.
Regarding RSUs, Graham Holdings grants these units as a form of deferred compensation. RSUs represent a promise to deliver shares of the company's stock at a future date, contingent on vesting criteria such as continued employment or the achievement of performance targets. RSUs at Graham Holdings are generally awarded to executives and key employees, with vesting schedules that typically range from three to five years. Once vested, the RSUs convert into actual shares, which can then be sold or held by the employee.
In 2022, 2023, and 2024, Graham Holdings continued to offer these stock options and RSUs as part of its compensation package, with the specifics of each grant detailed in the company's annual reports and proxy statements. The availability of these equity incentives is typically tied to the employee's role within the company, with higher-ranking positions generally receiving more substantial grants.
Graham Holdings offers a range of health benefits designed to support its employees, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans. The company uses specific healthcare-related terms and acronyms such as Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), and Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Employees have access to various health plans, including those with high deductibles coupled with HSA options, which allow pre-tax contributions to cover medical expenses.
The company's benefits site provides detailed annual reports on its health plans, highlighting key financial aspects and changes over the years. For example, the 2022 Summary Annual Report outlines the coverage for medical expenses and the associated financial performance of these plans. Graham Holdings also complies with the Transparency in Coverage rule, making it easier for employees to compare in-network and out-of-network costs for medical services.
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