Why More Energizer Holdings Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
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'Energizer 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.
'Energizer 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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Energizer 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 Energizer 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 Energizer 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 Energizer 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 Energizer 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 savings plan does Energizer Holdings offer to its employees?
Energizer Holdings offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.
Does Energizer Holdings provide a company match for contributions made to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Energizer Holdings provides a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, subject to specific terms and conditions.
What is the eligibility requirement to participate in the Energizer Holdings 401(k) plan?
Employees of Energizer Holdings are typically eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, as outlined in the plan documents.
Can employees of Energizer Holdings choose how their 401(k) contributions are invested?
Yes, employees at Energizer Holdings can choose from a variety of investment options for their 401(k) contributions.
How does Energizer Holdings ensure that employees are informed about their 401(k) plan options?
Energizer Holdings provides educational materials, workshops, and access to financial advisors to help employees understand their 401(k) plan options.
Is there a vesting schedule for the company match in the Energizer Holdings 401(k) plan?
Yes, there is a vesting schedule for the company match in the Energizer Holdings 401(k) plan, which determines how much of the match employees are entitled to based on their years of service.
What is the maximum contribution limit for the Energizer Holdings 401(k) plan?
The maximum contribution limit for the Energizer Holdings 401(k) plan is in line with IRS guidelines, which may change annually.
Can employees of Energizer Holdings take loans against their 401(k) accounts?
Yes, Energizer Holdings allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) accounts under certain conditions outlined in the plan.
What happens to an employee's 401(k) account if they leave Energizer Holdings?
If an employee leaves Energizer Holdings, they have several options for their 401(k) account, including cashing out, rolling it over to another retirement account, or leaving it in the Energizer Holdings plan if allowed.
Does Energizer Holdings offer any resources for retirement planning?
Yes, Energizer Holdings provides resources and tools for retirement planning, including access to financial advisors and online calculators.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Energizer Holdings provides its employees with a retirement plan that includes both a pension plan and a 401(k) plan, designed to help employees secure their financial future. The company offers the Energizer Holdings, Inc. Retirement Plan, which has gone through notable changes in recent years. In 2023, Energizer Holdings completed a pension plan annuity buyout, resulting in a $50.2 million recognition of unamortized actuarial losses (Energizer Holdings - Investors).
For the 401(k) plan, Energizer Holdings offers a match of up to 6%, where the company matches 100% of employee contributions up to this limit. Employees can also make additional contributions beyond this match, and for employees over 50 years of age, catch-up contributions are available. The 401(k) plan is known to have typical features such as tax-deferral benefits and company contributions
Restructuring and Layoffs: Energizer Holdings has announced a significant restructuring initiative aimed at streamlining operations and reducing costs. This plan includes a reduction in workforce across several departments. The company has stated that these layoffs are necessary to improve efficiency and profitability amidst a challenging economic environment. It is crucial to follow this development due to its potential impact on employees and the overall company strategy in response to current market pressures.
Energizer Holdings offers stock options and RSUs to its executive team and key employees. The company uses the acronym SO for Stock Options and RSU for Restricted Stock Units. Specifics about these benefits are outlined in their annual proxy statements and are updated annually.
Energizer Holdings: Healthcare Benefits Information
1. Company Official Website:
Website: Energizer Holdings Careers
Healthcare Benefits: Energizer Holdings offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance. They also provide a wellness program that includes various health-related resources and preventive care initiatives.
2. Glassdoor:
Website: Glassdoor - Energizer Holdings Benefits
Healthcare Benefits: Employees have reported access to standard healthcare benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Glassdoor reviews suggest that the healthcare plan is competitive but varies by location and employee level.
3. Indeed:
Website: Indeed - Energizer Holdings Benefits
Healthcare Benefits: According to Indeed, Energizer Holdings provides a range of healthcare benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance. The company also offers a health savings account (HSA) and flexible spending accounts (FSA).
4. LinkedIn:
Website: LinkedIn - Energizer Holdings Benefits
Healthcare Benefits: LinkedIn mentions that Energizer Holdings offers healthcare benefits as part of their overall employee benefits package. Details on specific plans or coverage are not extensively detailed but include basic medical, dental, and vision options.
5. HR & Employee Benefits Websites:
Website: Payscale - Energizer Holdings Benefits
Healthcare Benefits: Payscale provides information on Energizer Holdings' benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance. They also highlight employee feedback on the quality of these benefits.
Additional Articles
Check Out Articles for Energizer Holdings employees
For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Energizer Holdings at 533 Maryville University Dr, Suite 200 St. Louis, MO 63141; or by calling them at (314) 985-2000.
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