Why More PerkinElmer Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for PerkinElmer
PerkinElmer, a key player in the diagnostics and life sciences industry, offers its employees access to various healthcare providers through employer-sponsored health plans. Typically, these plans include options from prominent national insurers such as UnitedHealthcare, Anthem, and Cigna, but specific provider networks may vary based on the region and the type of plan selected.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
As we approach 2026, PerkinElmer and its employees may face significant increases in healthcare costs amidst a challenging landscape. Predicted healthcare premiums for Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans are set to rise sharply, with some states anticipating hikes exceeding 60%. Contributing factors include the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies, rising medical inflation, and aggressive rate requests from major insurers. With over 22 million marketplace enrollees expected to see their out-of-pocket premiums surge by more than 75%, strategic planning for healthcare expenses will be critical for individuals and families in the coming year.
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'PerkinElmer 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.
'PerkinElmer 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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PerkinElmer 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 PerkinElmer 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 PerkinElmer 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 PerkinElmer 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 PerkinElmer.
📞 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 PerkinElmer?
The 401(k) plan at PerkinElmer is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out, helping them build a nest egg for retirement.
How can I enroll in the 401(k) plan at PerkinElmer?
Employees can enroll in the PerkinElmer 401(k) plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance with the enrollment process.
Does PerkinElmer offer a company match for the 401(k) contributions?
Yes, PerkinElmer provides a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.
What is the eligibility requirement to participate in PerkinElmer's 401(k) plan?
Employees at PerkinElmer are typically eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, as outlined in the employee handbook.
How much can I contribute to the PerkinElmer 401(k) plan each year?
Employees can contribute up to the IRS limit for 401(k) contributions, which may change annually. PerkinElmer encourages employees to check the current limits for accurate information.
Are there any investment options available in PerkinElmer's 401(k) plan?
Yes, PerkinElmer offers a variety of investment options within the 401(k) plan, including mutual funds and other investment vehicles to help employees grow their retirement savings.
Can I change my contribution amount to the 401(k) plan at PerkinElmer?
Yes, employees can change their contribution amounts to the PerkinElmer 401(k) plan at any time, subject to certain guidelines provided by the plan.
What happens to my 401(k) if I leave PerkinElmer?
If you leave PerkinElmer, 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 taxes and penalties.
When can I start withdrawing from my PerkinElmer 401(k) plan?
Employees can typically begin withdrawing from their PerkinElmer 401(k) plan at age 59½, though there are specific rules and conditions that apply.
Does PerkinElmer offer loans against my 401(k) balance?
Yes, PerkinElmer allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to the terms and conditions of the plan.
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