Why More Nvidia Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Nvidia:
Nvidia primarily utilizes Aetna (a subsidiary of CVS Health) as its healthcare provider for employee health benefits.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases for Nvidia in 2026:
In 2026, Nvidia is expected to face substantial increases in healthcare costs due to rising premiums in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace, with reports indicating potential hikes exceeding 60% in several states. The expiration of enhanced federal subsidies is anticipated to dramatically elevate out-of-pocket expenses, leaving numerous employees vulnerable to substantial increases in their premium payments. Additionally, suppliers are projecting annual medical cost trends of 7% or more, further compounding the financial burden on companies like Nvidia as they navigate these challenging changes in healthcare financing.
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'Nvidia 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.
'Nvidia 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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Nvidia 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 Nvidia 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 Nvidia 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 Nvidia 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 Nvidia.
📞 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 Nvidia's 401(k) plan?
The primary purpose of Nvidia's 401(k) plan is to help employees save for retirement by allowing them to contribute a portion of their salary on a tax-deferred basis.
How does Nvidia match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Nvidia offers a company match on employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees increase their retirement savings.
What are the eligibility requirements for Nvidia's 401(k) plan?
Employees at Nvidia are generally eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, typically within the first few months of employment.
Can employees at Nvidia choose how to invest their 401(k) contributions?
Yes, employees at Nvidia can choose from a variety of investment options within the 401(k) plan, including stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.
What is the maximum contribution limit for Nvidia's 401(k) plan?
The maximum contribution limit for Nvidia's 401(k) plan is in accordance with IRS guidelines, which may change annually. Employees should check the latest limits each year.
Does Nvidia offer a Roth 401(k) option?
Yes, Nvidia provides a Roth 401(k) option, allowing employees to contribute after-tax dollars and enjoy tax-free withdrawals in retirement.
How often can employees at Nvidia change their 401(k) contribution amounts?
Employees at Nvidia can typically change their 401(k) contribution amounts at any time, subject to the plan's specific rules and procedures.
What happens to my Nvidia 401(k) if I leave the company?
If you leave Nvidia, you have several options for your 401(k), including rolling it over to a new employer's plan, transferring it to an IRA, or cashing it out, though cashing out may incur penalties.
Does Nvidia provide financial education resources for employees regarding their 401(k)?
Yes, Nvidia offers financial education resources and tools to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) savings and investments.
Are there any fees associated with Nvidia's 401(k) plan?
Yes, there may be administrative fees and investment-related fees associated with Nvidia's 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.
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: Nvidia avoided layoffs in 2023 and 2024 despite financial challenges. CEO Jensen Huang reassured employees there would be no immediate layoffs but did not rule out future cuts. Company Benefit Changes: Nvidia provided raises to help employees manage inflation and focused on streamlining operations and investing in AI and metaverse projects. (Sources: Tom's Hardware, Business Insider)
Nvidia provides stock options (SOs) and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). SOs allow employees to purchase stock at a fixed price after vesting. RSUs vest over four years, with performance metrics. In 2022, Nvidia focused on performance-based RSUs. In 2023, Nvidia maintained its strategy with performance metrics. By 2024, Nvidia expanded RSU programs. Executives, management, and broader employees are eligible. [Source: Nvidia Annual Report 2022, p. 50; Nvidia Q4 2023 Report, p. 20; Nvidia Q2 2024 Report, p. 15]
Nvidia offers a comprehensive suite of healthcare benefits designed to meet the diverse needs of its employees. For 2023, Nvidia provided several health plan options including Health Savings Account (HSA) plans and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans. The HSA plans feature lower premiums but higher out-of-pocket costs, with Nvidia contributing up to $3,000 to the HSA to help cover these expenses. These plans include extensive coverage for preventive care, mental health services, and chronic condition management. Additionally, Nvidia offers virtual care options, providing 24/7 access to medical professionals for general health concerns, which is particularly beneficial for employees needing flexible healthcare solutions. In 2024, Nvidia continues to enhance its benefits package by expanding support for family-building and mental health services. Employees have access to infertility, adoption, and surrogacy benefits, along with comprehensive support for gender affirmation and neurodiverse family members. The company also provides a robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that offers counseling services, mental health resources, and financial advice. These enhancements reflect Nvidia’s commitment to supporting the overall well-being of its employees in the current economic and political climate, where healthcare costs and access to comprehensive care are significant concerns.
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