New Update: Healthcare Costs Increasing by Over 60% in Some States. Will you be impacted?

Acadia Healthcare Employees: Smarter Ways to Manage Taxes on Appreciated Stock

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Acadia Healthcare Acadia Healthcare Company, Inc. primarily operates through its own network of behavioral healthcare facilities and provides a variety of mental health services across the United States. Their services are designed to address needs ranging from addiction treatment to severe psychiatric disorders, making them a key player in the mental health sector. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 In 2026, healthcare costs are poised for considerable increases, particularly within the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. Record premium hikes, averaging around 18% and climbing as high as 66.4% in states like New York, stem from escalating medical expenses and the possible expiration of enhanced federal subsidies. Without these crucial financial aids, nearly 92% of policyholders could see their out-of-pocket costs soar by over 75%, leaving millions struggling to afford essential healthcare services. As insurers grapple with substantial profit pressures, the financial landscape for consumers in the coming year appears particularly daunting. Click here to learn more

'Acadia Healthcare employees with concentrated stock positions may benefit from thoughtful tax planning that allows for tax deferral while balancing liquidity, compliance, and long-term compounding,' Wesley Boudreaux, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'Acadia Healthcare employees who hold highly-appreciated stock may want to consider tax-efficient strategies that help mitigate their liabilities while aligning with their overall retirement goals,' Patrick Ray, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article, we will discuss:

How taxes can affect investment returns, particularly on concentrated stock positions.
Exchange funds and options-based strategies as methods for tax deferral and diversification.
Alternative planning techniques outside ETFs, including charitable trusts and gifting strategies.

By Carlos Hernandez, Wealth Enhancement advisor

When it comes to driving portfolio returns, many investors aim to keep management fees low by investing in low-cost index funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). While fees matter, however, the real culprit for lower-than-anticipated performance is taxes. ¹

Wealth Enhancement advisor Carlos Hernandez explains: 'By losing less to taxes each year, investors have access to more capital that can continue to compound over time. This makes tax deferral an important part of an effective financial plan.' Acadia Healthcare employees looking for long-term growth strategies could benefit by understanding how to better manage their investment tax burdens.

Trade Money

One area where taxes can take a toll is on the sale of company stock or other concentrated investment positions. Acadia Healthcare professionals looking to diversify could face significant capital gains taxes on an outright sale. One way to diversify without triggering immediate capital gains is through exchange funds. By contributing their highy-appreciated stock to a pooled fund, investors can trade their concentrated holdings for shares in a diverse basket of securities. This method can be used by Acadia Healthcare employees who want to diversify while postponing taxable events.

Although this method allows for tax deferral, it also requires investors to hold the exchange fund for a period of time, typically seven years. ² This could create a challenge for investors who require liquidity. Additionally, these funds are often exclusively accessible to wealthy, accredited investors—something Acadia Healthcare executives should carefully evaluate.

Funds Based on Options

Another way to mitigate taxes on the sale of highly-appreciated stock is by using options contracts. The idea is to hedge risk with put options while covering the cost of those puts by selling call options—a strategy called 'collaring'. From there, the strategy reverses, with investors selling put options and using the proceeds to buy call option on an equity or bond index. ³ If managed effectively, this helps to diversify a concentrated portfolio while still maintaining liquidity.

Given the complexity of this strategy, meticulous planning is necessary. It's generally recommended that investors work with an experienced financial advisor before pursuing this approach.

Things to Be Aware of

Although these strategies can be beneficial for Acadia Healthcare employees who hold highly-appreciated stock, caution is recommended. There are costs associated with these approaches, and potential liquidity risks. Additionally, the IRS may eventually contest such arrangements because their tax status has not been thoroughly examined—something Acadia Healthcare retirees should keep top of mind.

'Tax drag reduction strategies can be effective, but they must be assessed through the lens of risk, liquidity, cost, and compliance,' warns Carlos Hernandez. What is appealing in theory must hold up to inspection in the real world.

Alternative Strategies

Although they show promise, investors with highly-appreciated stock or those looking to postpone gains have other alternatives besides exchange funds or options. Other tactics could include:

- Prepaid variable forwards (subject to IRS regulations, contracts to sell at predetermined terms in the future).
- Charitable remainder trusts (CRTs), which allow investors to donate appreciated stock to a charitable trust and receive a stream of regular income in return.
- Donor-advised funds (DAFs), which provide investors with a tax deduction for the fair market value of the appreciated stock they donate.
- Other gifting techniques, such as direct donations to charity or family.
Each has its own set of guidelines, advantages, and disadvantages. To limit unnecessary taxes or violating the constructive sale regulations, careful planning is necessary for Acadia Healthcare professionals managing complex portfolios.

The Bottom Line

Although the movement to mitigate the tax burden on investments is not new, the instruments are changing. Both exchange funds and options-based structures offer investors a way to manage tax liabilities, especially for Acadia Healthcare employees who hold highly-appreciated stock.

Featured Video

Articles you may find interesting:

In the end, taxes are unavoidable. However, with the correct set of instruments, they can be controlled and postponed. 'The real value comes from aligning tax strategy with investment strategy,' summarizes Carlos Hernandez.

Sources:

1. BlackRock Advisor Center. ' Investing for After-Tax Returns ,' 2025.

2. Kiplinger. ' Four Clever and Tax-Efficient Ways to Ditch Concentrated Stock Holdings ,' by Robert Waskiewicz. Sep. 11, 2025.

3. Financial Planning Association. ' Tax-Efficient Ways to Diversify Concentrated Stock Positions ,' by Peter Lazaroff. Oct. 2024.

What is the 401(k) plan offered by Acadia Healthcare?

The 401(k) plan at Acadia Healthcare is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary on a pre-tax or Roth after-tax basis.

Does Acadia Healthcare match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Acadia Healthcare offers a matching contribution to employees who participate in the 401(k) plan, helping to boost their retirement savings.

How can employees enroll in the 401(k) plan at Acadia Healthcare?

Employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan at Acadia Healthcare through the company’s benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

What are the eligibility requirements to participate in Acadia Healthcare's 401(k) plan?

Generally, all full-time employees at Acadia Healthcare are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service.

What types of investment options are available in Acadia Healthcare's 401(k) plan?

Acadia Healthcare'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.

Can employees take loans against their 401(k) plans at Acadia Healthcare?

Yes, Acadia Healthcare allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to certain terms and conditions.

What is the vesting schedule for Acadia Healthcare's 401(k) matching contributions?

Acadia Healthcare has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, which means employees must work for a certain number of years before they fully own the employer's contributions.

How often can employees change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) plan at Acadia Healthcare?

Employees at Acadia Healthcare can change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) plan on a regular basis, typically during open enrollment or at any time as permitted by the plan.

What happens to my 401(k) account if I leave Acadia Healthcare?

If you leave Acadia Healthcare, you have several options for your 401(k) account, including leaving it with the plan, rolling it over to another retirement account, or cashing it out.

Does Acadia Healthcare offer financial planning resources for employees regarding their 401(k)?

Yes, Acadia Healthcare provides access to financial planning resources and advisors to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) savings.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

Acadia Healthcare is experiencing significant organizational changes, including layoffs and restructuring efforts. The company has faced challenges with maintaining its workforce and adapting to new leadership dynamics. These changes have led to employee dissatisfaction and concerns about the company's direction. There have been multiple rounds of layoffs, particularly affecting the operational and support staff. These layoffs are part of a broader effort to streamline operations and reduce costs amidst economic uncertainties and changing healthcare demands https://www.thelayoff.com/acadia-healthcare-co https://www.thelayoff.com/t/1rReeVrQ

Additional Articles

Check Out Articles for Acadia Healthcare employees

For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Acadia Healthcare at 6100 Tower Circle, Suite 1000 Franklin, TN 37067; or by calling them at (615) 861-6000.