Why More iHeartMedia Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for iHeartMedia
iHeartMedia offers its employees healthcare coverage through various plans under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. Specific insurance providers for iHeartMedia employees can include major insurers such as UnitedHealthcare, Anthem, Cigna, and Molina Healthcare, depending on the enrolled plans available in their respective states.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
As 2026 approaches, iHeartMedia employees face a potential surge in healthcare costs, driven by significant increases in ACA marketplace premiums. With some states experiencing hikes exceeding 60%, the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies will add further financial strain, potentially raising out-of-pocket premium expenses by over 75% for many enrollees. Contributing factors include rising medical costs, higher prescription drug prices, and an overall increase in healthcare utilization, making 2026 especially challenging for those relying on ACA plans.
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'iHeartMedia 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.
'iHeartMedia 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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iHeartMedia 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 iHeartMedia 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 iHeartMedia 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 iHeartMedia 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 iHeartMedia.
📞 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 iHeartMedia offer to its employees?
iHeartMedia offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.
Does iHeartMedia provide any matching contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, iHeartMedia offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.
What is the eligibility requirement for employees to participate in iHeartMedia's 401(k) plan?
Employees at iHeartMedia are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, typically within the first year of employment.
Can employees of iHeartMedia choose how much to contribute to their 401(k) plan?
Yes, employees can choose to contribute a percentage of their salary to the iHeartMedia 401(k) plan, within the limits set by the IRS.
Are there any fees associated with iHeartMedia's 401(k) plan?
Yes, like most 401(k) plans, iHeartMedia's plan may have administrative fees and investment fees, which are disclosed in the plan documents.
What investment options are available in iHeartMedia's 401(k) plan?
iHeartMedia offers a range of investment options in its 401(k) plan, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.
How often can employees change their contribution amounts to the iHeartMedia 401(k) plan?
Employees can typically change their contribution amounts to the iHeartMedia 401(k) plan on a quarterly basis or as specified in the plan documents.
Does iHeartMedia allow for loans against the 401(k) plan?
Yes, iHeartMedia's 401(k) plan may allow employees to take loans against their account balance, subject to certain terms and conditions.
What happens to my 401(k) account if I leave iHeartMedia?
If you leave iHeartMedia, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) account to another retirement plan, cash it out, or leave it in the iHeartMedia plan if allowed.
Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in iHeartMedia's 401(k) plan?
Yes, iHeartMedia has a vesting schedule for employer matching contributions, which determines how much of the match you own based on your years of service.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Employee Pension Plan
Plan Name: iHeartMedia does not have a traditional pension plan. The company primarily offers a 401(k) plan for retirement savings.
Years of Service and Age Qualification: iHeartMedia does not offer a defined benefit pension plan, so there are no specific years of service or age qualification criteria for such a plan.
Plan Name: iHeartMedia 401(k) Plan
Eligibility: Employees are eligible to participate in the iHeartMedia 401(k) Plan. Typically, eligibility begins after 30 days of employment, although this can vary based on the employee's role and employment status.
401(k) Plan Features: The plan offers a range of investment options, and iHeartMedia provides a company match, which may vary based on the employee's contribution level and tenure.
Restructuring and Layoffs: In early 2024, iHeartMedia announced a significant restructuring plan aimed at reducing operational costs and streamlining its business. This decision comes as part of a broader effort to adapt to the rapidly changing media landscape and fluctuating ad revenues. The company is expected to cut approximately 10% of its workforce, which could impact several departments across the organization. This restructuring is critical to follow due to its potential implications on job security, industry dynamics, and market competitiveness.
Company Benefits, Pension, and 401k Changes: iHeartMedia has also made changes to its employee benefits and retirement plans. The company has adjusted its 401k matching contributions and modified its pension plan to better align with its financial strategies. These changes could affect employees' long-term financial planning and retirement readiness. Understanding these adjustments is essential in the current economic environment, where investment strategies and tax implications play a crucial role in personal financial security.
In 2022, iHeartMedia provided stock options (SO) and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) to senior executives and key employees. The RSU grants had performance-based vesting conditions.
Benefits Overview: iHeartMedia provides a range of health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance. They offer a Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options. Coverage includes preventive care, mental health support, and employee assistance programs.
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