Why More Maximus Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Maximus, known for its administration of government health programs, primarily collaborates with state and federal health services. It provides administrative services for Medicaid, Medicare, and health care reform initiatives, which play a critical role in ensuring access to healthcare coverage for millions.
Looking ahead to 2026, healthcare costs are anticipated to surge, significantly impacting consumers reliant on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. As many states prepare for premium increases that could reach as high as 66%, the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies is expected to exacerbate financial burdens for enrollees, with nearly 92% of them facing potential out-of-pocket premium hikes exceeding 75%. This combination of factors is creating a challenging landscape for healthcare affordability, compelling individuals to take proactive steps in managing their healthcare expenditures.
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'Maximus 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.
'Maximus 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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Maximus 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 Maximus 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 Maximus 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 Maximus 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 Maximus.
📞 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 Maximus?
The 401(k) plan offered by Maximus is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.
How can I enroll in the Maximus 401(k) plan?
You can enroll in the Maximus 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment form available through the HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
Does Maximus match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Maximus offers a matching contribution to employee 401(k) plans, which helps to enhance your retirement savings.
What is the maximum contribution limit for the Maximus 401(k) plan?
The maximum contribution limit for the Maximus 401(k) plan is set annually by the IRS, and you can check the latest limits on the IRS website or through Maximus’s HR resources.
Can I change my contribution percentage to the Maximus 401(k) plan?
Yes, you can change your contribution percentage to the Maximus 401(k) plan at any time by submitting a request through the HR portal.
When can I start withdrawing from my Maximus 401(k) plan?
You can start withdrawing from your Maximus 401(k) plan at age 59½, or earlier under certain circumstances such as financial hardship.
Are there any fees associated with the Maximus 401(k) plan?
Yes, there may be administrative fees associated with the Maximus 401(k) plan, which are outlined in the plan documents provided to employees.
Does Maximus provide investment options within the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Maximus provides a variety of investment options within the 401(k) plan, allowing employees to choose based on their risk tolerance and retirement goals.
How often can I change my investment allocations in the Maximus 401(k) plan?
Employees can change their investment allocations in the Maximus 401(k) plan as often as they wish, subject to the plan's guidelines.
What happens to my Maximus 401(k) plan if I leave the company?
If you leave Maximus, you have several options regarding your 401(k) plan, including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it with Maximus.
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: Maximus Pension Plan
Years of Service and Age Qualification: Employees are generally eligible for the Maximus Pension Plan after completing 5 years of service and reaching age 65.
Pension Formula: The pension is calculated based on a formula that includes years of service and average compensation. Specifics are detailed in the plan document.
Plan Name: Maximus 401(k) Plan
Who Qualifies: All full-time employees are eligible to participate in the Maximus 401(k) Plan after completing 30 days of service.
401(k) Details: Employees can contribute a percentage of their salary, with the company offering a matching contribution up to 4%.
In response to decreased demand for its services and the need to streamline operations, Maximus announced a plan to cut approximately 1,000 positions globally. This move is part of a broader strategy to reduce costs and enhance operational efficiency. The layoffs are expected to impact various departments, including customer support and IT services.
Maximus offers stock options and RSUs to its employees as part of its compensation package. These are typically available to senior management and key employees based on performance and tenure. The specific types of stock options and RSUs include non-qualified stock options (NSOs) and time-vested RSUs.
2023: Maximus has been actively expanding its mental health and telehealth services as part of its benefits package. There has been an increased emphasis on comprehensive care that includes mental health support and preventive services.
2024: The company has introduced new wellness initiatives, including more flexible health plans and enhanced coverage options for chronic conditions
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