Why More Juniper Networks Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Juniper Networks
Juniper Networks generally collaborates with various healthcare IT solutions rather than being a traditional healthcare provider. Their technology focuses on enhancing healthcare IT infrastructure, providing solutions that improve patient care and operational efficiency. However, specific partnerships or healthcare providers directly associated with Juniper Networks may vary based on projects and agreements.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
In 2026, significant hikes in healthcare costs are predicted, primarily driven by the anticipated expiration of enhanced subsidies and aggressive premium increases among major insurers. States like New York could see rates soar by over 60%, placing a substantial burden on consumers. The Kaiser Family Foundation projects that nearly 92% of ACA marketplace enrollees could experience as much as a 75% increase in out-of-pocket costs, exacerbating the financial pressure on families already facing healthcare challenges. As healthcare costs continue to rise, proactive planning and strategic healthcare choices for 2025 will be crucial for mitigating the impact.
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'Juniper Networks 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.
'Juniper Networks 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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Juniper Networks 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 Juniper Networks 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 Juniper Networks 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 Juniper Networks 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 Juniper Networks.
📞 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 401(k) plan offered by Juniper Networks?
The 401(k) plan at Juniper Networks is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary on a pre-tax or post-tax (Roth) basis.
How does Juniper Networks match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Juniper Networks offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, where the company matches a percentage of employee contributions, up to a certain limit.
What is the eligibility requirement for Juniper Networks' 401(k) plan?
Employees of Juniper Networks are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specific period of service, typically 30 days.
Can employees of Juniper Networks change their contribution rate to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, employees at Juniper Networks can change their contribution rate to the 401(k) plan at any time, subject to plan rules.
What investment options are available in Juniper Networks' 401(k) plan?
The 401(k) plan at Juniper Networks offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock.
Does Juniper Networks offer financial education resources for employees regarding the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Juniper Networks provides financial education resources and tools to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) savings.
What happens to my 401(k) savings if I leave Juniper Networks?
If you leave Juniper Networks, you have several options for your 401(k) savings, including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it in the Juniper Networks plan if eligible.
Is there a vesting schedule for the company match in Juniper Networks' 401(k) plan?
Yes, Juniper Networks has a vesting schedule for the company match, meaning that employees must work for a certain period before they fully own the matched contributions.
Can employees take loans against their 401(k) balance at Juniper Networks?
Yes, Juniper Networks allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to specific terms and conditions set by the plan.
Are there penalties for early withdrawal from the 401(k) plan at Juniper Networks?
Yes, early withdrawals from the 401(k) plan at Juniper Networks may incur penalties and taxes, unless certain conditions are met.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Plan Name: Juniper Networks Pension Plan
Years of Service and Age Qualification:
Eligibility: Employees are typically eligible for the pension plan after reaching 5 years of service.
Age Qualification: Employees generally need to be at least 55 years old to qualify for pension benefits.
Pension Formula: The pension benefit is calculated based on years of service and average salary. The formula is often a percentage of the average salary multiplied by years of service.
Juniper Networks 401(k) Plan
Plan Name: Juniper Networks 401(k) Plan
Eligibility: All full-time employees are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan from their date of hire.
401(k) Plan Details: Employees can contribute a portion of their salary to the 401(k) plan, with company matching contributions up to a specified percentage.
Juniper Networks Restructuring and Layoffs: In early 2023, Juniper Networks announced a significant restructuring plan aimed at streamlining operations and improving efficiency. This included layoffs affecting approximately 5% of their global workforce. The company cited a need to realign resources to better address market demands and operational challenges. Source: Business Insider
Stock Options: In 2022, Juniper Networks (JNPR) offered stock options to its senior executives and key employees. The options were typically granted with a 4-year vesting schedule.
RSUs: RSUs were available to a broader employee base, with vesting often tied to performance metrics and tenure.
Medical Insurance: Juniper Networks offers comprehensive medical insurance plans, including PPO and HMO options. They also provide access to a network of healthcare providers.
Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for dental and vision care is included with various plans to choose from.
Health Savings Account (HSA): Available with certain high-deductible health plans (HDHPs), allowing employees to save money for medical expenses on a tax-advantaged basis.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Provides employees with pre-tax benefits for health-related expenses.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Offers confidential counseling and resources for personal and work-related issues.
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