Why More MDC Holdings Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
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'MDC 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.
'MDC 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.
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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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MDC 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,
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affecting many households and MDC 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.
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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 MDC 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 MDC 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 MDC Holdings.
📞 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 MDC Holdings?
The 401(k) plan at MDC Holdings is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to contribute a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis, helping them save for retirement.
Does MDC Holdings offer a matching contribution for the 401(k) plan?
Yes, MDC Holdings provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.
How can employees enroll in the MDC Holdings 401(k) plan?
Employees can enroll in the MDC Holdings 401(k) plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
What types of investment options are available in the MDC Holdings 401(k) plan?
The MDC Holdings 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock.
Is there a vesting schedule for the matching contributions at MDC Holdings?
Yes, MDC Holdings has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, which means employees must work for a certain period to fully own the employer's contributions.
Can employees take loans against their 401(k) at MDC Holdings?
Yes, MDC Holdings allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance under specific conditions set forth in the plan.
What is the minimum contribution percentage for the MDC Holdings 401(k) plan?
The minimum contribution percentage for the MDC Holdings 401(k) plan is typically set at 1% of the employee's salary, but employees are encouraged to contribute more.
Are there any fees associated with the MDC Holdings 401(k) plan?
Yes, there may be administrative fees and investment-related fees associated with the MDC Holdings 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.
How often can employees change their contribution amounts in the MDC Holdings 401(k) plan?
Employees can change their contribution amounts in the MDC Holdings 401(k) plan as frequently as once per pay period.
What happens to the 401(k) plan if an employee leaves MDC Holdings?
If an employee leaves MDC Holdings, they have several options for their 401(k) plan, including rolling it over to another retirement account or cashing it out, subject to taxes and penalties.
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 Plan: MDC Holdings Pension Plan
Years of Service and Age Qualification: Employees typically need to complete a certain number of years of service and reach a specific age to qualify. For detailed numbers, refer to specific documents or plan summaries.
Pension Formula: The pension formula is generally based on factors such as years of service and average salary. For the precise formula, refer to the plan’s official documentation.
Eligibility Criteria: Generally includes full-time employees who meet the age and service requirements outlined in the plan.
Name of Plan: MDC Holdings 401(k) Plan
Eligibility Criteria: Eligibility typically includes full-time employees who have completed a specific period of service. Detailed eligibility requirements are outlined in the plan documents.
Restructuring and Layoffs: MDC Holdings announced in early 2024 that it is restructuring its operations due to a downturn in the housing market. This restructuring involves laying off approximately 10% of its workforce to reduce costs and improve efficiency. The decision is a response to declining home sales and increased material costs, which have impacted profitability.
Company Benefits and Pension Changes: Alongside the layoffs, MDC Holdings is revising its employee benefits and pension plans. The company is shifting from a defined benefit pension plan to a defined contribution plan. This change is aimed at reducing long-term liabilities and aligning with industry standards. Employees will see changes in their 401(k) contributions, with MDC Holdings offering a reduced matching contribution compared to previous years.
Stock Options and RSUs: MDC Holdings provides stock options and RSUs to its employees as part of their compensation package. Stock options at MDC Holdings allow employees to purchase shares at a set price, typically lower than the market value. RSUs are granted and vest over a specified period, giving employees ownership of company shares after certain conditions are met.
MDC Holdings Official Website: The site may include information on employee benefits under their "Careers" or "Employee Benefits" section. Look for terms such as "Medical Insurance," "Dental Coverage," "Vision Benefits," and "Health Savings Accounts (HSA)."
SEC Filings: Access MDC Holdings’ 10-K or 10-Q filings from the SEC's EDGAR database to find detailed information about employee benefits and any changes in 2022, 2023, or 2024.
Glassdoor and Indeed: Search for reviews from MDC Holdings employees discussing their health benefits. Look for terms like "healthcare coverage," "benefits package," "employee health insurance," and "wellness programs."
Recent News Articles: Look for any news articles that discuss changes or updates to MDC Holdings’ health benefits. Terms might include "benefits update," "healthcare changes," or "employee benefits news."
Benefits Review Platforms: Websites like BenefitsPro or PayScale may have detailed reviews or comparisons of MDC Holdings’ health benefits. Search for terms like "benefits comparison," "employee health benefits review," and "company benefits analysis."
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