Why More Nestle Employees Are Considering Social Security Early â And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Nestle:
Nestle, a prominent multinational food and beverage company, primarily relies on Aetna as its healthcare provider for employee health benefits.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026:
As we approach 2026, significant healthcare cost increases are anticipated, largely due to a perfect storm of rising medical expenses and the potential expiration of enhanced premium subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Some states are projecting premium hikes exceeding 60%, which could result in average out-of-pocket costs skyrocketing by more than 75% for the vast majority of marketplace enrollees. With major insurers reporting substantial profits while simultaneously seeking double-digit rate increases, consumers may find themselves facing unprecedented financial challenges in accessing healthcare coverage.
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'Nestle 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.
'Nestle 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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Nestle 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 Nestle 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 Nestle 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 Nestle 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 Nestle.
đ 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 primary purpose of Nestlé's 401(k) Savings Plan?
The primary purpose of Nestlé's 401(k) Savings Plan is to help employees save for retirement by allowing them to contribute a portion of their salary to a tax-advantaged account.
How can employees enroll in Nestlé's 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can enroll in Nestlé's 401(k) Savings Plan through the company’s online benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
Does Nestlé match employee contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, Nestlé offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.
What is the maximum contribution limit for Nestlé's 401(k) Savings Plan?
The maximum contribution limit for Nestlé's 401(k) Savings Plan is determined by the IRS and may change annually; employees should check the latest guidelines for the current limit.
Can employees of Nestlé choose how their 401(k) contributions are invested?
Yes, employees of Nestlé can choose from a variety of investment options within the 401(k) Savings Plan to align with their retirement goals and risk tolerance.
When can employees start withdrawing funds from Nestlé's 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can start withdrawing funds from Nestlé's 401(k) Savings Plan typically at age 59½, subject to specific plan rules and regulations.
What happens to an employee's 401(k) account if they leave Nestlé?
If an employee leaves Nestlé, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) account to another retirement plan, cash out the account, or leave it in the Nestlé plan if permitted.
Are there any penalties for early withdrawal from Nestlé's 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, there are generally penalties for early withdrawal from Nestlé's 401(k) Savings Plan, including income tax and a potential additional 10% penalty if withdrawn before age 59½.
How often can employees change their contribution amount to Nestlé's 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can typically change their contribution amount to Nestlé's 401(k) Savings Plan at any time, subject to the plan's specific rules.
Does Nestlé provide educational resources about the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, Nestlé provides educational resources and workshops to help employees understand their 401(k) Savings Plan options and make informed decisions.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Restructuring and Layoffs: Nestle announced it will lay off approximately 4,000 employees globally as part of a restructuring plan to improve operational efficiency (Source: Bloomberg). Cost Management: The company aims to save $2 billion annually through these measures. Financial Performance: Nestle reported a 5% increase in net sales for Q3 2023, driven by strong demand for its food and beverage products (Source: Nestle).
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