Why More Syneos Health Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Syneos Health and Upcoming Healthcare Costs
Healthcare Provider for Syneos Health:
Syneos Health primarily collaborates with multiple healthcare providers across various sectors in the healthcare industry, including pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, and medical device manufacturers. Their services typically encompass clinical development, commercialization, and consulting services to help healthcare organizations efficiently manage their clinical trials and product launches.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026:
In 2026, Syneos Health employees may face significant increases in healthcare costs driven by expected premium hikes in ACA marketplace plans. These could exceed 60% in some states, resulting from higher medical expenses and the potential expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies. With insurers projecting medical cost trends between 7% and 10%, employees should prepare for an increased financial burden. Adjustments in company benefits, including higher deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums, may further impact out-of-pocket expenses, urging employees to carefully review benefit changes and make informed plan selections to navigate the rising costs effectively.
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'Syneos Health 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.
'Syneos Health 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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Syneos Health 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 Syneos Health 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 Syneos Health 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 Syneos Health 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 Syneos Health.
📞 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 Syneos Health?
The 401(k) plan at Syneos Health is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out, helping them prepare for retirement.
Does Syneos Health match contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Syneos Health offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees increase their retirement savings.
How can I enroll in the Syneos Health 401(k) plan?
Employees can enroll in the Syneos Health 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment process through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
What is the eligibility requirement to participate in the Syneos Health 401(k) plan?
Employees of Syneos Health are typically eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, as outlined in the plan documentation.
How much can I contribute to the Syneos Health 401(k) plan each year?
The contribution limits for the Syneos Health 401(k) plan are in line with IRS regulations, which may change annually. Employees should check the latest guidelines for the current limits.
Can I take a loan from my Syneos Health 401(k) plan?
Yes, Syneos Health allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to certain terms and conditions outlined in the plan.
What investment options are available in the Syneos Health 401(k) plan?
The Syneos Health 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to help employees diversify their portfolios.
How often can I change my investment choices in the Syneos Health 401(k) plan?
Employees can change their investment choices in the Syneos Health 401(k) plan at any time, allowing for flexibility in managing their retirement savings.
What happens to my Syneos Health 401(k) if I leave the company?
If you leave Syneos Health, you have several options for your 401(k) savings, including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it in the Syneos Health plan, depending on the plan’s rules.
Is there a vesting schedule for the Syneos Health 401(k) plan?
Yes, Syneos Health has a vesting schedule for employer contributions, meaning employees must work for the company for a certain period before they fully own the employer-matched funds.
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