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

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

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for KLA Corporation KLA Corporation, a leading supplier of process control and yield management systems for the semiconductor industry, offers its employees a robust healthcare plan through Aetna. Aetna provides a comprehensive suite of options that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, ensuring that KLA employees have access to essential healthcare services. --- Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 In 2026, healthcare costs are expected to rise significantly for many individuals due to a combination of factors, including the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies under the ACA and rising medical costs. Preliminary reports suggest that health insurance premiums for ACA marketplace plans could see increases exceeding 60% in some states, leading to an alarming average out-of-pocket premium hike of over 75% for approximately 22 million enrollees. As insurers struggle with higher claims costs and regulatory pressures, securing affordable coverage may become a challenging task for consumers. Click here to learn more

'KLA 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.

'KLA 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 KLA 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 KLA 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 KLA 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 KLA 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 KLA.

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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Articles you may find interesting:

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 KLA?

KLA offers a 401(k) plan that allows employees to save for retirement through pre-tax contributions, which can help reduce their taxable income.

Does KLA provide a matching contribution for its 401(k) plan?

Yes, KLA provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.

How can employees enroll in KLA's 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in KLA's 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 KLA's 401(k) plan?

KLA's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.

Is there a vesting schedule for KLA's 401(k) matching contributions?

Yes, KLA has a vesting schedule for its matching contributions, which means employees must work for the company for a certain period before they fully own those contributions.

Can employees take loans against their 401(k) balance at KLA?

Yes, KLA allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan.

What is the maximum contribution limit for KLA's 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for KLA's 401(k) plan is determined by IRS guidelines, which may change annually. Employees should check the current limits for the specific year.

How often can employees change their contribution percentage in KLA's 401(k) plan?

Employees at KLA can change their contribution percentage at any time, allowing them to adjust their savings based on their financial situation.

Does KLA offer any educational resources for employees regarding the 401(k) plan?

Yes, KLA provides educational resources, including workshops and online tools, to help employees understand their 401(k) options and make informed investment decisions.

What happens to my 401(k) account if I leave KLA?

If you leave KLA, you have several options for your 401(k) account, including rolling it over into an IRA or a new employer's plan, or cashing it out, though the latter may have tax implications.

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 the Pension Plan: KLA’s pension plan is known as the KLA Corporation Retirement Plan. Eligibility and Qualification: Years of Service: Employees are generally eligible after completing 5 years of service. Age Qualification: Employees must be at least 55 years old to qualify for retirement benefits. Pension Formula: The pension formula is based on a Defined Benefit Plan where benefits are calculated using a formula that typically considers years of service and average salary. The formula includes factors such as Years of Service and Final Average Salary. Name of the 401(k) Plan: KLA’s 401(k) plan is referred to as the KLA Corporation 401(k) Plan. Eligibility and Qualification: Employees are generally eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan immediately upon employment. 401(k) Plan Details: Contributions can be made through pre-tax and Roth options. The company may offer matching contributions up to a certain percentage of the employee’s salary.

KLA Announces Workforce Reduction and Restructuring Plans: In July 2024, KLA announced a significant restructuring plan that includes a reduction of approximately 5% of its global workforce. The company cited the need to streamline operations and enhance efficiency as the primary reasons for these changes. This move is part of a broader strategy to adjust to current economic uncertainties and shifting market demands.

KLA Corporation Stock Options: Acronym: KLA Details: KLA Corporation offered stock options as part of their employee compensation package in 2022. Employees were eligible based on their role and tenure with the company. KLA Corporation RSUs: Acronym: KLA Details: RSUs were granted to key employees and executives. These units vested over a period, typically 3 to 4 years, aligning with the company’s performance goals.

2023-2024 Updates: KLA has been focusing on increasing access to mental health resources and expanding telehealth services. This includes partnering with new telemedicine providers and increasing support for mental health through improved Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). Benefit Enhancements: There has been an emphasis on preventive care and wellness programs. KLA has updated its benefits to include more comprehensive coverage for mental health services and preventive care, reflecting broader trends in the industry.