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

Why More Acadia Healthcare Employees Are Considering Social Security Early â€” And How Medicare Changes Play a Role

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 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.

'Acadia Healthcare 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. ¹ And for those with an FRA of 66, the increase if one waits until age 70 is closer to 32%. ¹ Acadia Healthcare 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, ² affecting many households and Acadia Healthcare 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. ³

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 Acadia Healthcare 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 Acadia Healthcare 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 Acadia Healthcare.

ðŸ“ž 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.

Featured Video

Articles you may find interesting:

Sources:

1. CNBC. ' Does it still make sense to wait to claim Social Security retirement benefits? ' by Lorie Konish. 29 Apr. 2025.
2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. ' 15 percent of private industry workers had access to a defined benefit retirement plan ,' 10 Apr. 2024.
3. Kaiser Family Foundation. “ Health Costs Consume a Large Portion of Income for Millions of People with Medicare ,' by Ochieng, Nancy; Juliette Cubanski; Tricia Neuman; Anthony Damico. 21 Aug. 2025.
Other Resources:
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 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.