Why More Carlisle Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Carlisle: Aetna
Carlisle's medical plans are administered by Aetna, offering a variety of coverage options to suit the needs of employees and their families. These plans provide comprehensive benefits, including preventive care and prescription drug coverage, with options such as high-deductible plans paired with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) to help manage costs effectively.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026:
In 2026, healthcare costs are expected to surge significantly due to a combination of factors, including the likely expiration of enhanced federal subsidies and ongoing inflation in medical expenses. Many states face premium hikes soaring upwards of 60%, pushing average out-of-pocket costs for consumers potentially over 75%. With insurers forecasting a medical trend increase of around 7-10%, and the top insurers posting substantial profits, consumers could be left grappling with higher premiums and reduced access to affordable healthcare options. Consequently, strategic planning for medical expenses has never been more critical for individuals and families navigating this challenging landscape.
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'Carlisle 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.
'Carlisle 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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Carlisle 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 Carlisle 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 Carlisle 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 Carlisle 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 Carlisle.
📞 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 Carlisle 401(k) Savings Plan?
The Carlisle 401(k) Savings Plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary on a pre-tax or Roth after-tax basis.
How does Carlisle match contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Carlisle offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which typically matches a percentage of the employee's contributions, up to a certain limit.
When can I enroll in the Carlisle 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can enroll in the Carlisle 401(k) Savings Plan during their initial onboarding period or during the annual open enrollment period.
What are the eligibility requirements for the Carlisle 401(k) Savings Plan?
To be eligible for the Carlisle 401(k) Savings Plan, employees must meet certain criteria, including age and length of service, as specified in the plan documents.
Can I take a loan from my Carlisle 401(k) account?
Yes, Carlisle allows employees to take loans from their 401(k) accounts under certain conditions, as outlined in the plan's loan policy.
What investment options are available in the Carlisle 401(k) Savings Plan?
The Carlisle 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock.
How can I change my contribution percentage to the Carlisle 401(k) plan?
Employees can change their contribution percentage to the Carlisle 401(k) plan by accessing the plan's online portal or contacting the HR department.
What happens to my Carlisle 401(k) account if I leave the company?
If you leave Carlisle, you have several options for your 401(k) account, including rolling it over to an IRA, transferring it to a new employer's plan, or cashing it out.
Does Carlisle offer any educational resources for 401(k) participants?
Yes, Carlisle provides educational resources and tools to help employees understand their 401(k) options and make informed investment decisions.
How often can I change my investment allocations in the Carlisle 401(k) plan?
Employees can change their investment allocations in the Carlisle 401(k) plan at any time, subject to the plan's trading policies.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Carlisle Companies offers its employees the Carlisle, LLC Employee Incentive Savings Plan (CEISP), a comprehensive retirement savings plan. The CEISP allows employees to contribute between 1% and 50% of their eligible pay on a pretax, Roth, or after-tax basis, with annual contribution limits of $23,000 for those under 50 and $30,000 for those 50 and older in 2024. Employees are automatically enrolled at a 3% deferral election if they don't opt out.
The plan offers immediate 100% vesting on both employee and employer contributions, making all funds fully owned by the participant from the start. Carlisle’s 401(k) plan includes a company match of 100% on the first 3% contributed and 50% on the next 2%, making it a beneficial program for long-term financial planning.
Restructuring Layoffs: Carlisle Companies have been navigating various financial adjustments and structural changes in 2023 and 2024. They have announced strategic acquisitions and share repurchases, alongside continuous dividend increases to stabilize their financial standing and enhance shareholder value.
Carlisle Companies' Stock Options and RSUs
2022
In 2022, Carlisle Companies (NYSE: CSL) issued a broad-based stock option grant to employees, which marked the third such grant in the last 12 years. The goal of these grants was to provide significant incentives for employees to achieve long-term company objectives. The stock options are available to a wide range of employees, promoting a sense of ownership and alignment with the company’s success (source: Carlisle Companies’ 2022 Employee Stock Option Grant Announcement, page 1).
2023
In 2023, Carlisle continued its practice of offering stock options and RSUs to its employees. The RSUs are part of the company’s long-term incentive plan, designed to retain key employees and align their interests with shareholders. RSUs vest over a specified period, typically requiring continued employment with the company (source: Carlisle Companies’ Third Quarter Results Report, page 3).
2024
For 2024, Carlisle has maintained its commitment to employee equity compensation by offering both stock options and RSUs. The latest offerings include performance-based RSUs that vest based on the company achieving specific financial targets. These are available to managerial and executive-level employees, ensuring that key decision-makers have a vested interest in the company’s long-term performance (source: Carlisle Companies’ Fourth Quarter Results Report, page 4).
Carlisle Companies provides a comprehensive and industry-leading health benefits package to its employees, focusing on holistic wellness and financial security. The benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs) to help manage healthcare costs. Additionally, Carlisle offers wellness programs that promote physical and mental health, including fitness incentives, stress management resources, and preventive care initiatives (Carlisle ESG Data Center) (Carlisle).
In 2023, Carlisle emphasized sustainability in its operations, which includes the health and safety of its employees. The company's initiatives are detailed in their Corporate Sustainability Report, highlighting their commitment to reducing emissions and waste, and improving energy efficiency, which indirectly supports a healthier work environment (Carlisle).
Key healthcare-related terms and acronyms used by Carlisle include:
HSA (Health Savings Account): A tax-advantaged account used to pay for eligible medical expenses.
FSA (Flexible Spending Account): Allows employees to set aside pre-tax dollars for healthcare expenses.
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design): A certification for environmentally friendly buildings, which aligns with Carlisle's focus on creating healthier workspaces (Carlisle ESG Data Center) (Carlisle).
Recent news affecting Carlisle includes their progress towards sustainability goals, such as reducing Scope 1 & 2 emissions by over 21% and Scope 3 emissions by over 12% from their 2021 base year. These efforts reflect Carlisle's broader commitment to employee well-being through a healthier and more sustainable work environment
For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Carlisle at 16430 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85254; or by calling them at +1 480-781-5000.
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