Why More Acuity Brands Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Acuity Brands
Acuity Brands, a leading provider of lighting and building management solutions, primarily offers its healthcare benefits through large national insurers such as UnitedHealthcare. Employees may access these plans to cover a variety of medical needs, reflecting the competitive landscape for employer-sponsored health insurance.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
Looking ahead to 2026, Acuity Brands employees should brace for significant healthcare cost increases. Record premium hikes are anticipated in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace, with some states experiencing increases as steep as 66%. Coupled with the expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies, many employees may see their out-of-pocket costs soar by over 75%. Companies across the U.S. are responding to rising healthcare expenses by adjusting benefit structures, which may further impact the affordability of coverage for employees.
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'Acuity Brands 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.
'Acuity Brands 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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Acuity Brands 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 Acuity Brands 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 Acuity Brands 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 Acuity Brands 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 Acuity Brands.
📞 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 401k/Savings Plan offered by Acuity Brands?
The 401k/Savings Plan at Acuity Brands is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck on a pre-tax or after-tax basis for their future retirement.
How can I enroll in the Acuity Brands 401k/Savings Plan?
Employees can enroll in the Acuity Brands 401k/Savings Plan by completing the online enrollment process through the company's benefits portal or by contacting HR for assistance.
Does Acuity Brands offer a company match for the 401k/Savings Plan?
Yes, Acuity Brands offers a company match for contributions made to the 401k/Savings Plan, which helps employees boost their retirement savings.
What is the vesting schedule for the Acuity Brands 401k/Savings Plan?
The vesting schedule for the Acuity Brands 401k/Savings Plan typically outlines the period an employee must work at the company to fully own the employer's contributions, which can vary based on tenure.
Can I take a loan against my Acuity Brands 401k/Savings Plan?
Yes, Acuity Brands allows employees to take a loan against their 401k/Savings Plan, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan documents.
What investment options are available in the Acuity Brands 401k/Savings Plan?
The Acuity Brands 401k/Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target date funds, and other asset classes to help employees diversify their portfolios.
How often can I change my contribution amount to the Acuity Brands 401k/Savings Plan?
Employees can change their contribution amount to the Acuity Brands 401k/Savings Plan at any time, typically through the benefits portal or by contacting HR.
What happens to my Acuity Brands 401k/Savings Plan if I leave the company?
If you leave Acuity Brands, you have several options for your 401k/Savings Plan, including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out (subject to taxes and penalties), or leaving it in the plan if eligible.
Is there a minimum contribution requirement for the Acuity Brands 401k/Savings Plan?
Yes, Acuity Brands may have a minimum contribution requirement for the 401k/Savings Plan, which is typically outlined in the plan documents.
Can I contribute to the Acuity Brands 401k/Savings Plan if I am part-time?
Yes, part-time employees at Acuity Brands may be eligible to contribute to the 401k/Savings Plan, depending on the specific eligibility criteria set by the company.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Acuity Brands announced a significant restructuring plan aimed at optimizing its operational efficiency. This involves layoffs of approximately 10% of its workforce, primarily in the manufacturing and administrative sectors. Additionally, the company is revising its pension plan to reduce future liabilities and enhancing its 401(k) match to retain key employees.
For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Acuity Brands at 1170 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 2300 Atlanta, GA 30309; or by calling them at (404) 853-1400.
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