Why More Moderna Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
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'Moderna 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.
'Moderna 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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Moderna 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 Moderna 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 Moderna 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 Moderna 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 Moderna.
📞 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 Moderna?
Moderna offers a 401(k) plan that allows employees to save for retirement by contributing a portion of their salary on a pre-tax or Roth after-tax basis.
How can I enroll in Moderna's 401(k) plan?
Employees can enroll in Moderna's 401(k) plan through the company’s benefits portal during the open enrollment period or within 30 days of their hire date.
Does Moderna offer a company match for the 401(k) contributions?
Yes, Moderna provides a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, which helps boost retirement savings.
What is the maximum contribution limit for Moderna's 401(k) plan?
For 2023, the maximum contribution limit for Moderna's 401(k) plan is $22,500, with an additional catch-up contribution of $7,500 for employees aged 50 and older.
Can I change my contribution percentage to Moderna's 401(k) plan?
Yes, employees can change their contribution percentage to Moderna's 401(k) plan at any time through the benefits portal.
What investment options are available in Moderna's 401(k) plan?
Moderna's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock.
How often can I change my investment choices in Moderna's 401(k) plan?
Employees can change their investment choices in Moderna's 401(k) plan at any time, allowing for flexibility in managing their retirement savings.
Is there a vesting schedule for the company match in Moderna's 401(k) plan?
Yes, Moderna has a vesting schedule for the company match, which typically requires employees to work for a certain number of years before they fully own the matched contributions.
Can I take a loan against my 401(k) with Moderna?
Yes, Moderna allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan document.
What happens to my 401(k) plan if I leave Moderna?
If you leave Moderna, you have several options for your 401(k) plan, including rolling it over to an IRA or a new employer's plan, cashing it out, or leaving it with Moderna.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Moderna offers a comprehensive retirement benefits package, which includes a defined contribution 401(k) plan. The company's 401(k) plan allows employees to make contributions through payroll deductions, with Moderna matching contributions based on employee elections. As of 2023, the contribution limit for Moderna employees participating in the 401(k) plan is $22,500, with an additional catch-up contribution of $7,500 for employees aged 50 and older (Mondaq) (KPMG). These limits reflect increases compared to the prior year, consistent with IRS guidelines.
The plan offers both traditional 401(k) and Roth 401(k) options, allowing for tax-deferred or post-tax contributions, depending on the employee's financial strategy. Moderna also offers employer matching contributions, enhancing retirement savings for participating employees. Moderna’s plan provides various investment options, allowing employees to customize their retirement portfolios based on risk tolerance and retirement goals (Mondaq).
Moderna uses its own specific acronyms, such as "RSP" (Retirement Savings Plan) for the 401(k) plan and "ModMatch" for its matching contribution feature. Employees become eligible for the 401(k) plan upon hire, and those who work at least 500 hours over three consecutive 12-month periods qualify to make contributions starting January 2024, as part of the SECURE Act amendments
Moderna announced layoffs in 2024, primarily affecting its manufacturing unit, as part of a resizing strategy linked to its COVID production footprint. The company decided to cut jobs due to reduced demand for its COVID-related products and to optimize manufacturing costs. CEO Stéphane Bancel emphasized the importance of ongoing cost improvements in manufacturing as the company pivots away from focusing solely on COVID vaccines toward a broader pharmaceutical portfolio. Moderna expanded its headcount by 44% in 2023, but these layoffs reflect a necessary adjustment to its business strategy moving forward (FiercePharma).
Moderna provides its employees with stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) as part of their long-term incentive compensation. These programs are designed to align employee interests with shareholder value by granting ownership stakes in Moderna. Employees may receive Non-Qualified Stock Options (NSOs) and RSUs, which vest over time. NSOs give employees the right to buy Moderna stock at a pre-determined price, while RSUs grant shares upon vesting without the need for an initial purchase (SEC.gov) (Moderna).
In 2022, Moderna reported that its stock option grants focused on driving financial and operational goals, including stock price appreciation. The company ensures that the majority of executive compensation is tied to at-risk components like stock options and RSUs. These awards are typically available to executives and employees in key roles (SEC.gov) (Moderna). The RSU program at Moderna also emphasizes long-term retention and performance, rewarding employees based on their contributions to the company's success.
Moderna's stock options and RSU plans in 2023 and 2024 remained focused on aligning long-term incentives with business objectives, including the expansion of its pipeline and manufacturing capacity (SEC.gov). Executives and high-performing employees across various departments are eligible for these equity awards, ensuring their incentives are linked to Moderna’s overall performance (Moderna).
Health Insurance Options: Moderna provides multiple insurance plans, including health, dental, and vision coverage, ensuring that employees have access to preventive and medical care. These plans also include options for telemedicine and wellness care, reflecting industry trends.
Lifestyle Spending Account: This program offers employees an annual allowance they can use towards fitness, nutrition, and other wellness activities, helping them maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Personal Enrichment Benefit: This unique benefit provides an annual stipend for personal growth, such as attending language classes or certification programs like yoga instruction.
Mental Health Support: Moderna prioritizes mental health with programs that offer support through Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), which include confidential counseling services.
Family and Parental Benefits: The company has generous parental leave programs and fertility benefits, which have become standard in their competitive benefits package.
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