In addition, 54% of workers polled said they would be willing to pay a higher amount from their paycheck to ensure access to health care benefits if they retire before they are eligible for Medicare.   

Four in 10 of the nearly 9,100 U.S. workers surveyed are planning to delay their retirement, according to a press release. Older workers and those in poor health comprise the largest percentage of employees planning to delay retirement. In particular, 45% of employees in poor health plan to postpone retirement.   

When asked why they are choosing to retire later, more than two-thirds (68%) of older workers said to keep their health care coverage, while 62% cited the higher cost of health care. Six in 10 older workers (61%) blamed the decline in the value of their 401(k) plan.  

The survey also found more than one-third (37%) of employees with a 401(k) plan intend to increase contributions over the next 12 months, while one-half (51%) plan to keep contributions at the same level. Nearly half (47%) of respondents say they are comfortable making their own retirement investment decisions.   

More than six in ten respondents (63%) are actively paying off debts to improve their financial situation, nearly double the number (33%) in early 2009, the press release said. More than half (54%) are cutting back on daily spending, while roughly one-third (34%) are increasing monthly savings, compared to only 19% in early 2009.