Why More Motorola Solutions Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Motorola Solutions
Motorola Solutions typically provides its employees with healthcare benefits through major national insurers, including UnitedHealthcare and Anthem. These providers are known for offering comprehensive health plans that include medical, dental, and vision coverage, aligning with the company's commitment to employee wellness.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
As the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace braces for record premium hikes in 2026, Motorola Solutions faces potential challenges in managing healthcare costs for its employees. With states like New York reporting increases over 60% and the possibility of enhanced federal subsidies expiring, many individuals could see their out-of-pocket premiums jump by more than 75%. This perfect storm of rising medical expenses and aggressive insurer rate hikes may significantly affect employee health costs, compelling the company to consider strategic adjustments in its benefits offerings to maintain workforce health and satisfaction.
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'Motorola Solutions 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.
'Motorola Solutions 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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Motorola Solutions 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 Motorola Solutions 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 Motorola Solutions 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 Motorola Solutions 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 Motorola Solutions.
📞 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 types of retirement savings plans does Motorola Solutions offer to its employees?
Motorola Solutions offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.
How does Motorola Solutions match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Motorola Solutions provides a company match on employee contributions, which helps enhance the overall savings for retirement.
What is the maximum contribution limit for the Motorola Solutions 401(k) plan?
The maximum contribution limit for the Motorola Solutions 401(k) plan is determined by IRS guidelines, which can change annually.
Can employees of Motorola Solutions choose how their 401(k) contributions are invested?
Yes, employees of Motorola Solutions can choose from a variety of investment options to allocate their 401(k) contributions based on their individual risk tolerance and retirement goals.
Is there a vesting schedule for the Motorola Solutions 401(k) match?
Yes, Motorola Solutions has a vesting schedule for the company match, which means employees must work for a certain period before they fully own the matched contributions.
How can Motorola Solutions employees access their 401(k) account information?
Employees can access their 401(k) account information through the Motorola Solutions employee portal or by contacting the plan administrator.
What happens to my Motorola Solutions 401(k) if I leave the company?
If you leave Motorola Solutions, you have several options for your 401(k), including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it in the Motorola Solutions plan if eligible.
Are there any fees associated with the Motorola Solutions 401(k) plan?
Yes, there may be fees associated with the Motorola Solutions 401(k) plan, which can include administrative fees and investment-related fees. Employees can review the plan documents for detailed information.
Does Motorola Solutions offer any educational resources for employees regarding retirement planning?
Yes, Motorola Solutions provides educational resources and workshops to help employees understand retirement planning and make informed decisions about their 401(k) savings.
Can Motorola Solutions employees take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, Motorola Solutions allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan.
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 Pension Plan: Motorola Solutions Pension Plan
Years of Service and Age Qualification: Employees generally qualify for the pension plan if they meet the minimum vesting requirements, which typically include a certain number of years of service. The age requirement usually aligns with standard retirement ages, but specific details can vary.
Pension Formula: The pension formula is often based on a combination of years of service and average earnings. For Motorola Solutions, the formula used in 2022-2024 is detailed in the company's official plan documents.
Name of 401(k) Plan: Motorola Solutions 401(k) Savings Plan
Who Qualifies: Eligibility for the 401(k) plan typically includes all full-time employees. Specific details regarding enrollment dates and eligibility can be found in the plan documents.
Restructuring and Layoffs: Motorola Solutions has been undergoing restructuring as part of its strategic realignment. In 2023, the company announced a reduction in its global workforce by approximately 5% to streamline operations and focus on its core areas of growth. This restructuring aims to improve efficiency and profitability amidst economic uncertainties. Given the current economic climate and investment environment, such strategic adjustments are crucial for companies to remain competitive and adapt to market fluctuations. It is important for stakeholders to follow such developments to understand how these changes might affect job security and company performance.
Company Benefits and Pension Changes: Motorola Solutions has also made adjustments to its employee benefits package and pension plans in response to the evolving economic landscape. In 2024, the company updated its 401k plan, including increased employer matching contributions to support employees' retirement savings. Additionally, changes were made to its pension plan to ensure sustainability amid economic challenges. These updates are significant as they impact employees' financial planning and security. Staying informed about these changes is vital in the current investment and tax environment, as it helps employees make informed decisions about their financial futures.
Motorola Solutions provided stock options and RSUs as part of their compensation packages. Employees eligible for stock options and RSUs typically include senior executives, key employees, and high-performing individuals. Motorola Solutions uses RSUs to align employee interests with company performance and shareholder value.
Benefits Overview: Motorola Solutions provides comprehensive health benefits to its employees, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. They offer plans with options for health savings accounts (HSA) and flexible spending accounts (FSA). There are also wellness programs and mental health resources.
Key Terms/Acronyms: HSA (Health Savings Account), FSA (Flexible Spending Account), EAP (Employee Assistance Program), PPO (Preferred Provider Organization).
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