Why More Ametek Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Ametek's Healthcare Provider and Insights on 2026 Cost Increases
Ametek utilizes various healthcare providers for its employee benefits, with notable participation in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace for health insurance. In 2026, Ametek employees may experience significant increases in healthcare costs due to a projected sharp rise in ACA premiums, with average rate hikes forecasted to hover around 20%. The combination of expiring federal premium subsidies and soaring medical expenses-partly driven by inflationary pressures on healthcare services-could lead to shocking out-of-pocket costs, with some policyholders facing premium increases of over 75%. As employees weigh their options, it is crucial to assess both employer-sponsored plans and ACA alternatives early to mitigate financial impacts.
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'Ametek 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.
'Ametek 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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Ametek 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 Ametek 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 Ametek 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 Ametek 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 Ametek.
📞 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 Ametek's 401(k) plan?
Ametek's 401(k) plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are deducted, helping them to build a nest egg for retirement.
How can I enroll in Ametek's 401(k) plan?
Employees can enroll in Ametek's 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment process through the company's benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
Does Ametek match contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Ametek offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.
What is the maximum contribution limit for Ametek's 401(k) plan?
The maximum contribution limit for Ametek's 401(k) plan follows the IRS guidelines, which are updated annually. Employees should check the latest limits on the IRS website or through Ametek's benefits resources.
Can I change my contribution percentage to Ametek's 401(k) plan?
Yes, employees can change their contribution percentage to Ametek's 401(k) plan at any time, typically through the benefits portal.
When can I access my Ametek 401(k) funds?
Employees can access their Ametek 401(k) funds upon reaching retirement age, or in certain circumstances such as financial hardship, as outlined in the plan's guidelines.
What investment options are available in Ametek's 401(k) plan?
Ametek's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds, allowing employees to choose investments that align with their retirement goals.
How often can I change my investments in Ametek's 401(k) plan?
Employees can change their investment selections in Ametek's 401(k) plan at any time, subject to the specific rules of the investment options chosen.
Is there a vesting schedule for Ametek's 401(k) matching contributions?
Yes, Ametek has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, which means employees must work for the company for a certain period to fully own those contributions.
What happens to my Ametek 401(k) if I leave the company?
If an employee leaves Ametek, they have several options for their 401(k), including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out (subject to taxes and penalties), or leaving it in the Ametek plan if eligible.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Ametek announced plans to restructure its operations to streamline its manufacturing processes and improve efficiency. The restructuring includes potential layoffs affecting multiple departments. Additionally, Ametek is reviewing its employee benefits and pension plans to align with new operational goals.
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