New Update: Healthcare Costs Increasing by Over 60% in Some States. Will you be impacted?

Why More IQVIA Holdings Employees Are Considering Social Security Early â€” And How Medicare Changes Play a Role

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for IQVIA Holdings IQVIA Holdings operates as a leading global provider of advanced analytics, technology solutions, and contract research services focused on the healthcare sector. It collaborates with various stakeholders in the life sciences industry, including pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, and healthcare payers, to improve patient outcomes and streamline healthcare operations. Brief Overview of Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 Healthcare costs are projected to rise significantly in 2026, driven largely by anticipated increases in Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums, with some states expecting hikes exceeding 60%. The expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies could force over 22 million Americans to see their out-of-pocket costs soar by more than 75%. Coupled with rising medical expenses and aggressive rate increases from major insurers, consumers may find themselves increasingly burdened by healthcare costs, necessitating proactive planning and strategic decision-making regarding their health coverage. Click here to learn more

'IQVIA 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.

'IQVIA 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. ¹ And for those with an FRA of 66, the increase if one waits until age 70 is closer to 32%. ¹ IQVIA 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, ² affecting many households and IQVIA 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. ³

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 IQVIA 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 IQVIA 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 IQVIA Holdings.

ðŸ“ž 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.

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Sources:

1. CNBC. ' Does it still make sense to wait to claim Social Security retirement benefits? ' by Lorie Konish. 29 Apr. 2025.
2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. ' 15 percent of private industry workers had access to a defined benefit retirement plan ,' 10 Apr. 2024.
3. Kaiser Family Foundation. “ Health Costs Consume a Large Portion of Income for Millions of People with Medicare ,' by Ochieng, Nancy; Juliette Cubanski; Tricia Neuman; Anthony Damico. 21 Aug. 2025.
Other Resources:
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 401(k) plan offered by IQVIA Holdings?

The 401(k) plan at IQVIA Holdings is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary before taxes are deducted.

Does IQVIA Holdings match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, IQVIA Holdings offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees increase their retirement savings.

What is the eligibility requirement for IQVIA Holdings' 401(k) plan?

Employees of IQVIA Holdings are typically eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, usually within the first year of employment.

How can employees enroll in the 401(k) plan at IQVIA Holdings?

Employees can enroll in the IQVIA Holdings 401(k) plan through the company's benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

What types of investment options are available in the IQVIA Holdings 401(k) plan?

The IQVIA Holdings 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds, allowing employees to choose based on their risk tolerance.

Can employees take loans against their 401(k) savings at IQVIA Holdings?

Yes, IQVIA Holdings allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to certain terms and conditions outlined in the plan.

What happens to the 401(k) plan if an employee leaves IQVIA Holdings?

If an employee leaves IQVIA Holdings, they have several options for their 401(k) savings, including rolling it over to another retirement account or cashing it out, though taxes and penalties may apply.

Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in the IQVIA Holdings 401(k) plan?

Yes, IQVIA Holdings has a vesting schedule for the employer match, which means that employees must work for the company for a certain period before they fully own the matched contributions.

How often can employees change their contribution percentage in the IQVIA Holdings 401(k) plan?

Employees can change their contribution percentage to the IQVIA Holdings 401(k) plan at specified intervals, typically during open enrollment or at any time throughout the year.

Does IQVIA Holdings provide financial education resources for employees regarding the 401(k) plan?

Yes, IQVIA Holdings offers financial education resources and workshops to help employees understand their 401(k) options and make informed investment decisions.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

Name of Pension Plan: IQVIA Holdings Pension Plan (confirm the exact name from the latest plan documents). Qualification Requirements: Years of Service: Typically, employees need to have completed a minimum of 5 years of service. Age: Generally, employees must reach age 55 to start receiving benefits. Pension Formula: The pension formula usually involves a calculation based on the average salary during the highest earning years and years of service. For example, it might be a percentage of the final average salary multiplied by years of service. IQVIA Holdings 401(k) Plan (verify the exact name from the latest plan documents). Qualification Requirements: Employees are generally eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a probationary period, often around 30 to 90 days of employment.

Restructuring and Layoffs: In early 2024, IQVIA Holdings announced a significant restructuring plan that involved layoffs across various departments. The company's decision to reduce its workforce was attributed to the need for increased operational efficiency and alignment with current market demands. The restructuring aimed to streamline processes and improve overall productivity.

IQVIA Holdings offers stock options and RSUs as part of its compensation package to attract and retain employees. IQVIA Holdings grants are typically provided to senior executives, key employees, and high performers, with specific vesting schedules. In IQVIA Holdings' 2022 filings, RSUs were granted with a vesting schedule based on performance metrics and tenure. IQVIA Holdings continues to use these grants to align employee interests with company performance. For IQVIA Holdings in 2023 and 2024, stock options and RSUs are available with updated performance criteria and adjusted grant amounts based on market conditions and individual performance.

Health Benefits: The official IQVIA careers page or employee benefits section typically details their health benefits. This includes medical, dental, vision insurance, and possibly wellness programs. Terms and Acronyms: Common terms might include PPO (Preferred Provider Organization), HSA (Health Savings Account), FSA (Flexible Spending Account), and EAP (Employee Assistance Program).