Why More Salesforce Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Salesforce:
Salesforce employees typically navigate their health benefits through various providers, depending on their specific plan choices. The primary healthcare coverage options often include large national insurers such as UnitedHealthcare, Anthem, and Aetna, which facilitate a range of services for employees.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026:
In 2026, Salesforce employees are likely to face significant healthcare cost increases as a perfect storm of factors converge. Premium rates for ACA marketplace plans are anticipated to surge, with some states experiencing increases of over 60%. This escalation is driven by rising medical costs, particularly for high-priced medications, alongside the potential expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies. As a result, many employees could see their out-of-pocket expenses skyrocket, forcing them to reassess their healthcare options and budget for the financial impact ahead.
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'Salesforce 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.
'Salesforce 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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Salesforce 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 Salesforce 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 Salesforce 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 Salesforce 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 Salesforce.
📞 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 Salesforce?
The 401(k) plan at Salesforce is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary on a tax-deferred basis.
Does Salesforce offer a company match for its 401(k) plan?
Yes, Salesforce offers a company match for its 401(k) contributions, helping employees maximize their retirement savings.
How can Salesforce employees enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Salesforce employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the employee benefits portal during their onboarding or during open enrollment periods.
What are the contribution limits for Salesforce's 401(k) plan?
The contribution limits for Salesforce's 401(k) plan align with IRS guidelines, which may change annually. Employees should check the latest limits on the IRS website or through Salesforce's benefits resources.
Can Salesforce employees take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, Salesforce allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to certain terms and conditions outlined in the plan documents.
What investment options are available in Salesforce's 401(k) plan?
Salesforce's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.
How often can Salesforce employees change their 401(k) contribution amounts?
Salesforce employees can change their 401(k) contribution amounts at any time, subject to the plan's guidelines and payroll processing schedules.
When can Salesforce employees access their 401(k) funds?
Employees can access their 401(k) funds upon reaching retirement age, or in cases of hardship, termination of employment, or disability, following the plan's rules.
Does Salesforce provide financial education regarding its 401(k) plan?
Yes, Salesforce offers financial education resources and workshops to help employees understand their 401(k) options and make informed investment decisions.
Are there any fees associated with Salesforce's 401(k) plan?
Yes, there may be fees associated with managing the 401(k) plan, including administrative fees and investment management fees, 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.
Salesforce provides a defined contribution 401(k) plan with company matching contributions. Employees can contribute pre-tax or Roth (after-tax) dollars, and Salesforce matches 100% of the first 6% of eligible compensation. The plan includes various investment options such as target-date funds, mutual funds, and a self-directed brokerage account. Salesforce also offers an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) with a discount on company stock. Financial planning resources and tools are available to help employees manage their retirement savings.
Salesforce grants RSUs that vest over several years, giving employees shares of the company. Additionally, stock options are provided, allowing employees to purchase shares at a set price.
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