Why More Newmont Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Newmont Corporation
Newmont Corporation typically offers healthcare benefits through various insurance options for its employees, primarily utilizing the services of major health insurers like UnitedHealthcare and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), depending on the geographical locations of their operations. As a large mining company, Newmont is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage, which likely includes various plans that are tailored to meet the needs of its diverse workforce.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
As the healthcare landscape shifts towards significant premium hikes in 2026, Newmont Corporation may face compounded pressures from rising costs. With the Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium increases projected to exceed 60% in some states, many employees could see their out-of-pocket costs soar dramatically-potentially by over 75%-if enhanced federal premium subsidies expire as anticipated. This combination of escalating medical costs and the threat of reduced subsidies poses a considerable challenge for employers like Newmont, who might need to navigate these complexities to maintain access to affordable healthcare for their workforce.
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'Newmont 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.
'Newmont 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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Newmont 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 Newmont 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 Newmont 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 Newmont 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 Newmont.
📞 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 Newmont?
Newmont offers a 401(k) plan that allows employees to save for retirement by contributing a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.
How does Newmont match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Newmont provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, typically matching a percentage of employee contributions up to a certain limit.
Can employees at Newmont change their 401(k) contribution amounts?
Yes, employees at Newmont can change their 401(k) contribution amounts at any time, subject to the plan's rules.
What investment options are available in Newmont’s 401(k) plan?
Newmont’s 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock.
When can Newmont employees start contributing to the 401(k) plan?
Newmont employees can typically start contributing to the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of employment, often within their first month.
Does Newmont allow for loans against the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Newmont allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance under certain conditions, as outlined in the plan documents.
What happens to my 401(k) account if I leave Newmont?
If you leave Newmont, you can choose to leave your 401(k) account with the company, roll it over to another retirement account, or cash it out, subject to taxes and penalties.
How does Newmont inform employees about their 401(k) plan options?
Newmont provides information about the 401(k) plan through employee orientation, benefit guides, and online resources available on the company’s intranet.
Is there a vesting schedule for Newmont's 401(k) matching contributions?
Yes, Newmont has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, meaning employees must work for a certain period to fully own the matching funds.
Can Newmont employees access their 401(k) funds while still employed?
Generally, Newmont employees cannot access their 401(k) funds while still employed, except through loans or hardship withdrawals as permitted by 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: Newmont Pension Plan
Years of Service Requirement: 5 years of service required for eligibility.
Age Qualification: Participants must be at least 55 years old to begin receiving benefits, with eligibility to retire at age 65.
Pension Formula: The pension is calculated based on a formula that considers the average salary during the highest-paid years of service and years of service.
Name of 401(k) Plan: Newmont 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
Eligibility Criteria: Employees are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after 30 days of employment.
Restructuring and Layoffs: Newmont Mining Corporation announced a significant restructuring plan in early 2024. The company is streamlining its operations and has decided to reduce its workforce by approximately 10% to enhance efficiency and cut costs. This move comes as part of a broader strategy to adapt to fluctuating gold prices and increasing operational costs. Given the current economic climate, where inflation and market volatility impact resource extraction industries, this restructuring is crucial for maintaining financial stability and competitiveness.
Newmont Corporation offers stock options and RSUs as part of its employee compensation package. For 2022, Newmont granted RSUs to senior executives and key employees, which are subject to performance and time-based vesting criteria. The stock options at Newmont are typically granted with a 10-year term and vest over a period of 3 to 5 years.
Benefits Overview: Newmont’s official website provides details about their employee benefits, including health insurance, wellness programs, and retirement plans.
Health Benefits: Typically include medical, dental, and vision coverage, with options for health savings accounts (HSAs) or flexible spending accounts (FSAs). Newmont often emphasizes wellness initiatives and employee support programs.
Acronyms: HSAs (Health Savings Accounts), FSAs (Flexible Spending Accounts), EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
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