Why More BrightView Holdings Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for BrightView Holdings:
BrightView Holdings offers its employees access to healthcare solutions through various insurers participating in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. As employees explore their options for 2026, a variety of plans will be available that align with their individual healthcare needs.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026:
In 2026, BrightView Holdings employees may face substantial increases in healthcare costs, primarily due to anticipated surges in ACA marketplace premiums. With some insurers indicating rate hikes of over 60%, many employees could see their out-of-pocket expenses dramatically rise, particularly if the enhanced federal subsidies expire. The combination of elevated medical costs, corporate shifts towards cost-sharing, and changes in plan structures may further strain budgets, making it crucial for employees to proactively review benefit options ahead of the new year. Understanding these dynamics can help employees navigate potential challenges in maintaining affordable healthcare access.
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'BrightView Holdings 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.
'BrightView Holdings 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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BrightView Holdings 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 BrightView Holdings 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 BrightView Holdings 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 BrightView Holdings 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 BrightView Holdings.
📞 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 type of retirement plan does BrightView Holdings offer to its employees?
BrightView Holdings offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.
How can employees of BrightView Holdings enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Employees of BrightView Holdings can enroll in the 401(k) plan by completing the online enrollment process through the company’s benefits portal.
Does BrightView Holdings match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, BrightView Holdings provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, subject to certain limits.
What is the maximum employee contribution percentage allowed in the BrightView Holdings 401(k) plan?
Employees of BrightView Holdings can contribute up to 100% of their eligible compensation, subject to the IRS annual contribution limit.
When can employees of BrightView Holdings start contributing to the 401(k) plan?
Employees of BrightView Holdings can start contributing to the 401(k) plan after they have completed their eligibility requirements, typically after 30 days of employment.
Are there any fees associated with the BrightView Holdings 401(k) plan?
Yes, there may be administrative and investment fees associated with the BrightView Holdings 401(k) plan, which will be disclosed in the plan documents.
Can employees of BrightView Holdings take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, the BrightView Holdings 401(k) plan allows employees to take loans against their savings, subject to specific terms and conditions.
What investment options are available in the BrightView Holdings 401(k) plan?
The BrightView Holdings 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.
How often can employees change their investment choices in the BrightView Holdings 401(k) plan?
Employees of BrightView Holdings can change their investment choices at any time through the plan's online portal.
What happens to the 401(k) savings if an employee leaves BrightView Holdings?
If an employee leaves BrightView Holdings, they have several options for their 401(k) savings, including rolling over to an IRA or a new employer's plan.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
BrightView Holdings recently announced a restructuring plan aimed at reducing costs and streamlining operations. This plan includes significant layoffs across various departments and potential changes to employee benefits and retirement plans.
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for BrightView Holdings at 980 North Federal Highway, Suite 400 Boca Raton, FL 33432; or by calling them at +1 855-222-5640.
Further Information for BrightView Holdings* Employees
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