Why More Hologic Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Hologic offers a comprehensive benefits program through its Better Rewards initiative. Employees can choose from medical plans administered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, including PPO and Consumer Driven Health Plans with HSA options. The company also provides dental, vision, mental health support, and wellness resources. Additional benefits include financial security plans, career development, and family support services 6.
Healthcare costs in the United States are projected to continue rising through 2026, with insurers proposing significant premium increases for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans. A recent analysis found that ACA insurers are seeking a median premium increase of 15% for 2026, marking the largest hike since 2018. This surge is attributed to factors such as the anticipated expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, rising medical costsincluding expensive medications and increased hospital staysand a shift in the risk pool towards higher-cost enrollees. Without the renewal of enhanced subsidies, out-of-pocket premiums for ACA marketplace enrollees could increase by more than 75% on average.
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'Hologic 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.
'Hologic 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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Hologic 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 Hologic 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 Hologic 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 Hologic 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 Hologic.
📞 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 type of retirement savings plan does Hologic offer to its employees?
Hologic offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.
Does Hologic provide a matching contribution for its 401(k) plan?
Yes, Hologic provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan to help employees save for retirement.
What is the eligibility requirement to participate in Hologic's 401(k) plan?
Employees at Hologic are generally eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service.
How can Hologic employees enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Hologic employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
What investment options are available in Hologic's 401(k) plan?
Hologic's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds and target-date funds.
Can Hologic employees change their contribution percentage at any time?
Yes, Hologic employees can change their contribution percentage at any time, subject to the plan's guidelines.
Is there a vesting schedule for Hologic's matching contributions in the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Hologic has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, which means employees must work for a certain period to fully own those contributions.
What is the maximum contribution limit for Hologic's 401(k) plan?
The maximum contribution limit for Hologic's 401(k) plan is in line with IRS regulations, which may change annually.
Does Hologic offer any educational resources to help employees manage their 401(k) investments?
Yes, Hologic provides educational resources and tools to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) investments.
Can Hologic employees take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, Hologic allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to the plan's terms and conditions.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Hologic Inc. offers its employees the Hologic, Inc. Savings and Investment Plan through Fidelity, covering approximately 6,291 employees. This plan allows participants to make contributions toward their retirement and benefit from company matches. The name of Hologic's 401(k) plan is the "Hologic, Inc. Savings and Investment Plan." Employees who participate in the plan can leave their account with Fidelity, roll it over into an IRA or a new 401(k) plan, or withdraw their funds, though tax penalties may apply for early withdrawal (Capitalize).
Hologic does not offer a defined pension plan; instead, they focus on their 401(k) offering. The company terminology for this plan refers to it as a savings and investment vehicle aimed at helping employees grow their retirement funds.
In 2023 and 2024, Hologic has undergone significant restructuring efforts, leading to workforce layoffs and changes in employee benefits, including their 401(k) and pension plans. The company has aligned its strategy with the ongoing SECURE 2.0 Act reforms, which include updates to 401(k) contributions and eligibility, particularly for part-time employees and those nearing retirement. Hologic has also increased its focus on health benefit plans, adapting to new laws that affect retirement savings and telehealth services (Mondaq) (CLA).
Hologic offers stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) to its employees as part of their equity compensation program. These incentives are primarily aimed at retaining talent by providing long-term financial rewards. Hologic's stock options allow employees to purchase company stock at a predetermined price, typically vesting over a period of years. RSUs, on the other hand, grant employees shares of company stock once certain vesting conditions are met, which can also be tied to performance metrics.
For the years 2022, 2023, and 2024, Hologic has continued to offer these equity incentives as part of their compensation packages. RSUs are primarily available to senior-level employees and high performers, allowing them to benefit from the company's growth. Stock options are more broadly available, often included in compensation for managerial and higher-level employees.
In 2023, for instance, Hologic executed a significant share repurchase program, buying back millions of shares, which can positively impact the value of stock options and RSUs held by employees. This buyback program reflects the company's commitment to maximizing shareholder value, which directly benefits employees holding stock-based compensation
Lyra Health: Hologic partners with Lyra Health to offer a robust mental and emotional wellness program. This benefit includes access to in-person, virtual, digital, group, and individualized care aimed at supporting employees' mental health.
Healthy Living Wellness Program: Hologic collaborates with Virgin Pulse to provide a well-being platform offering motivational tools, tips, rewards, and support to help employees and their families maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Parental and Family Care Leave: U.S. employees have access to up to 16 weeks of job-protected parental leave, including 8 weeks of paid leave at 100% salary for both birth and non-birth parents. Birth parents also receive short-term disability coverage. Hologic's policy allows parents to return to work part-time at full pay during the first 4 weeks after leave. Family Care Leave offers 100% paid leave for caring for a family member with a serious health condition under FMLA.
Healthcare-Related Acronyms and Terms: Some of the healthcare-related terms and acronyms used by Hologic include FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act), NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), and short-term disability.
Employee Well-Being Focus: Hologic's recent employee initiatives emphasize mental health support, wellness engagement, and flexible leave options, reflecting the company’s commitment to employee well-being
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