Why More Coty Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Coty
Coty, a prominent beauty company, partners with various healthcare providers and insurers for employee health benefits, but the specific provider may vary based on location and employee needs. Coty typically engages with well-known insurers like Aetna and UnitedHealthcare to deliver health insurance options for its employees.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
Healthcare costs are anticipated to rise significantly in 2026, propelled by a convergence of factors affecting the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. The potential expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies will increase out-of-pocket premiums for approximately 22 million enrollees, with estimates suggesting a staggering rise of over 75% in costs. Concurrently, insurers are submitting rate requests that reflect steep hikes-some states seeing increases of up to 66%-while overall medical cost inflation continues to press up prices across the healthcare spectrum. This combination of subsidy withdrawal and aggressive rate adjustments from major insurers could pose significant financial challenges for consumers seeking coverage in 2026.
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'Coty 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.
'Coty 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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Coty 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 Coty 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 Coty 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 Coty 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 Coty.
📞 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 Coty 401(k) Savings Plan?
The Coty 401(k) Savings Plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to contribute a portion of their salary to a tax-advantaged account to save for retirement.
How can I enroll in the Coty 401(k) Savings Plan?
You can enroll in the Coty 401(k) Savings Plan by completing the enrollment process through the employee benefits portal or contacting the HR department for assistance.
What types of contributions can I make to the Coty 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can make pre-tax contributions, Roth (after-tax) contributions, and, in some cases, catch-up contributions if they are age 50 or older in the Coty 401(k) Savings Plan.
Does Coty offer a company match for the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, Coty provides a company match for contributions made to the 401(k) Savings Plan, subject to certain limits and eligibility requirements.
What is the vesting schedule for Coty's 401(k) company match?
The vesting schedule for Coty's company match typically follows a graded schedule, meaning employees earn ownership of the match over a period of time.
Can I change my contribution percentage to the Coty 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, you can change your contribution percentage at any time by accessing the employee benefits portal or contacting HR.
What investment options are available in the Coty 401(k) Savings Plan?
The Coty 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles, allowing employees to choose based on their risk tolerance and retirement goals.
How often can I make changes to my investments in the Coty 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can typically make changes to their investment allocations in the Coty 401(k) Savings Plan on a regular basis, often daily or monthly, depending on the plan's rules.
What happens to my Coty 401(k) Savings Plan if I leave the company?
If you leave Coty, you have several options for your 401(k) Savings Plan, including leaving the funds in the plan, rolling them over to another retirement account, or cashing out (though this may incur taxes and penalties).
Can I take a loan from my Coty 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, Coty allows employees to take loans from their 401(k) Savings Plan under certain conditions, subject to the plan's rules and limits.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Coty has seen a strong performance in 2024, with significant growth in its beauty market, particularly in prestige fragrances. This momentum has led to an increase in their fiscal year 2024 outlook. However, there is no specific news about changes in Coty's pension or 401(k) plans for 2024. Instead, the company has been focused on expanding its market presence and product lines, including launching successful new fragrances and entering new licensing agreements.
Coty reported strong financial performance in FY23 and into early FY24, driven by growth in both its Prestige and Consumer Beauty segments. Coty's strategic efforts in exiting the Russian market and focusing on key growth categories resulted in operational improvements. However, despite this growth, Coty has continued to streamline operations, which could involve restructuring and potential layoffs as part of their drive to enhance profitability and manage costs amidst ongoing economic pressures, inflation, and global market volatility
Stock Options:
Coty Inc. offers stock options as part of its employee compensation plan. These stock options give employees the right to purchase Coty shares at a predetermined price, known as the exercise price. The options typically have a vesting period, during which employees must remain with the company before they can exercise their options. Vesting schedules can vary, but they generally require employees to stay for a few years before all the options become exercisable.
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs):
Coty also provides Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) to its employees. RSUs represent a promise to grant shares of Coty stock once certain conditions are met, such as remaining with the company for a specified period or achieving specific performance targets. RSUs usually vest over a few years, with a portion of the units vesting each year. Once vested, the RSUs are converted into actual shares of stock, which the employee can then hold or sell.
Latest Stock Options and RSUs (2022-2024)
2022:
In 2022, Coty continued to offer both stock options and RSUs to eligible employees as part of their long-term incentive plan. The stock options typically had a standard vesting period of four years, while RSUs also followed a similar vesting schedule. These compensation elements aimed to align employee interests with the company's long-term performance goals.
2023:
During 2023, Coty enhanced its RSU offerings, focusing on retaining top talent and incentivizing performance. The company introduced additional performance-based RSUs, which vest based on achieving specific financial targets. This move was part of Coty's broader strategy to motivate employees and drive company growth through equity compensation.
2024:
In 2024, Coty expanded its equity compensation plans to include more employees, offering a mix of stock options and RSUs. The company placed a greater emphasis on RSUs with performance conditions, reflecting its commitment to aligning employee rewards with the company’s success. Coty also made adjustments to its vesting schedules, making them more competitive within the industry.
Coty's healthcare benefits have been structured to support the diverse needs of its employees, particularly emphasizing comprehensive coverage and wellness initiatives. In 2023, Coty offered several health plans, including PPO and HMO options, which allowed employees to choose plans based on their specific healthcare needs and preferences. These plans included coverage for medical, dental, and vision care, as well as access to wellness programs aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle among employees. The company's commitment to healthcare is evident in its robust benefits package, which also includes mental health support and flexible spending accounts to help manage healthcare costs.
The importance of discussing Coty's healthcare benefits is underscored by the current economic and political environment, where healthcare costs are a significant concern for employees. With rising healthcare expenses and ongoing changes in healthcare policy, Coty's efforts to provide comprehensive benefits are crucial for attracting and retaining talent. Furthermore, in the context of economic uncertainties and tax implications, having access to reliable and extensive healthcare benefits can significantly impact employees' financial and personal well-being. The focus on healthcare benefits also aligns with broader investment in employee wellness, which is essential for maintaining productivity and job satisfaction.
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