Why More Keysight Technologies Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Keysight Technologies
Keysight Technologies partners with various health insurance carriers to provide healthcare options to its employees. Typically, companies of this size collaborate with major national insurers such as UnitedHealthcare, Anthem (Elevance Health), or Cigna, offering comprehensive health plans that cover a range of medical services. However, the specific provider used by Keysight may vary based on employee location and plan choices.
Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
As we approach 2026, healthcare costs are projected to see considerable increases, with premiums for Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans expected to rise sharply. Various states have already reported anticipated hikes-some exceeding 60%-driven by factors such as rising medical expenses and the potential loss of enhanced federal subsidies. With over 22 million enrollees potentially feeling the impact, many could face premium increases of over 75%, complicating access to affordable healthcare amidst deteriorating economic conditions. This significant rise poses challenges for consumers and underscores the urgency for strategic planning to mitigate financial impacts.
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'Keysight Technologies 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.
'Keysight Technologies 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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Keysight Technologies 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 Keysight Technologies 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 Keysight Technologies 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 Keysight Technologies 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 Keysight Technologies.
📞 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 Keysight Technologies offer?
Keysight Technologies offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.
Does Keysight Technologies match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Keysight Technologies provides a matching contribution to employee 401(k) plans, enhancing the overall savings potential.
What is the eligibility requirement for Keysight Technologies' 401(k) plan?
Employees of Keysight Technologies 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 at Keysight Technologies choose how their 401(k) contributions are invested?
Yes, employees at Keysight Technologies can choose from a variety of investment options within the 401(k) plan to align with their individual financial goals.
What is the maximum contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at Keysight Technologies?
The maximum contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at Keysight Technologies is determined by IRS regulations, which may change annually.
How often can employees at Keysight Technologies change their 401(k) contribution amounts?
Employees at Keysight Technologies can change their 401(k) contribution amounts at any time, typically through the company’s benefits portal.
Does Keysight Technologies offer a Roth 401(k) option?
Yes, Keysight Technologies offers a Roth 401(k) option, allowing employees to make after-tax contributions for potential tax-free withdrawals in retirement.
What happens to my 401(k) savings if I leave Keysight Technologies?
If you leave Keysight Technologies, 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 Keysight Technologies plan if allowed.
Are there any fees associated with the 401(k) plan at Keysight Technologies?
Yes, there may be administrative fees associated with the 401(k) plan at Keysight Technologies, which are typically disclosed in the plan documents.
How can I access my 401(k) account information at Keysight Technologies?
Employees can access their 401(k) account information through the Keysight Technologies benefits portal or by contacting the plan administrator.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Keysight Technologies offers competitive retirement benefits, including a 401(k) plan. For employees hired on or after August 1, 2015, the company provides a matching contribution of $1 for every $1 contributed by the employee, up to 4% of their pay, and $0.50 for every additional $1 contributed on the next 4%. This means contributions above 8% are not matched by Keysight. For those hired before August 1, 2015, the matching contribution is $1 for every $1 up to 3%, with an additional $0.50 for contributions on the next 2% of pay. Employees can contribute pre-tax and Roth after-tax contributions to the 401(k) plan, though catch-up and after-tax contributions are not eligible for matching (Keysight MatchMaximizer).
Keysight Technologies caps the eligible compensation for matching contributions at $345,000, following the IRS 401(a)(17) limit for 2024. However, there is no compensation cap for employee contributions, which are limited to the IRS 402(g) annual limit of $23,000 in 2024. Employees aged 50 and older may also contribute up to $7,500 as a catch-up contribution
Keysight Technologies reported significant restructuring activities in 2023-2024, including cost-cutting measures and workforce adjustments as part of their strategy to streamline operations. Although the company has demonstrated solid performance in its financial results, there were notable reductions in operational expenditures, including employee compensation and layoffs, primarily due to constrained demand in semiconductor and manufacturing sectors (Keysight Investor) (Keysight Investor).
It is crucial to address these restructuring measures as they reflect the broader economic climate of the tech industry, influenced by fluctuating demand and rising interest rates. For employees, such layoffs could impact retirement planning, pensions, and benefits, especially amid heightened uncertainty around tax laws and potential regulatory changes in the global market.
Stock Options: At Keysight Technologies, stock options are made available to a broad range of employees, particularly those in leadership and key technical roles. These stock options (KEYSO) allow employees to purchase company shares at a predetermined price, offering potential gains as the stock price appreciates. This aligns employees' financial interests with the company's performance. Stock options are typically granted annually, and vesting occurs over a defined period, commonly three to four years, with eligibility depending on the employee's role and tenure.
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs): RSUs (KEYRSU) are a prominent part of Keysight's compensation structure, granted primarily to senior employees and high performers. These units represent a promise to deliver company shares at a future date once vesting conditions, such as continued employment or performance targets, are met. RSUs provide an additional incentive for long-term employment and are often part of executive compensation packages. Like stock options, RSUs are awarded annually with multi-year vesting schedules.
Keysight Technologies offers comprehensive health benefits designed to cater to various employee needs, emphasizing affordability and flexibility. The company provides options such as a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with Health Savings Account (HSA) compatibility, which is a popular choice among employees for its tax benefits and lower premiums. The company also includes a lower-deductible plan with higher monthly premiums, catering to those preferring more predictable healthcare expenses. Dental and vision care benefits are part of their offerings, enhancing overall wellness coverage.
Keysight has introduced wellness initiatives, such as preventive care incentives, which include routine exams, screenings, and immunizations, to encourage a healthier workforce. The company's health benefits package aligns with its efforts to foster employee well-being by offering both flexibility and robust coverage, including extensive family care options. In recent years, employees have appreciated the ability to select between these two medical plan types, based on their personal or family health needs.
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