Why More Fortive Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Fortive Corporation partners with various healthcare providers through its Advanced Healthcare Solutions segment, focusing on delivering mission-critical technologies for medical instruments and healthcare facilities. As of 2025, Fortive is well-positioned to navigate the anticipated shifts in healthcare costs and innovations related to connected workflows.
Looking ahead to 2026, healthcare costs are expected to rise significantly, potentially impacting many American families. Record premium increases for Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans are projected, with some state premiums soaring by over 60%. This surge in costs is largely driven by higher medical expenses, the potential cessation of federal premium subsidies, and increased rates from major insurers. Without congressional action to extend these subsidies, many policyholders could see their premiums spike by up to 75%, highlighting the urgent need for consumers to prepare for these financial changes.
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'Fortive 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.
'Fortive 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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Fortive 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 Fortive 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 Fortive 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 Fortive 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 Fortive.
📞 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 Fortive offer to its employees?
Fortive offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.
Does Fortive provide a company match for contributions made to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Fortive provides a company match on employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, enhancing the overall savings potential.
What is the eligibility requirement to participate in Fortive's 401(k) plan?
Employees are eligible to participate in Fortive's 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of employment, typically 30 days.
Can employees at Fortive choose their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, employees at Fortive can choose their contribution percentage, allowing for flexibility in saving according to their financial goals.
What investment options are available in Fortive's 401(k) plan?
Fortive's 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 contribution amounts to Fortive's 401(k) plan?
Employees can change their contribution amounts to Fortive's 401(k) plan at any time, subject to plan rules and limits.
Does Fortive allow for loans against the 401(k) balance?
Yes, Fortive's 401(k) plan may allow employees to take loans against their balance, subject to specific terms and conditions.
What happens to my 401(k) account if I leave Fortive?
If you leave Fortive, you can choose to leave your funds in the plan, roll them over to another qualified plan, or withdraw them, subject to tax implications.
Is there a vesting schedule for Fortive's company match in the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Fortive has a vesting schedule for the company match, meaning employees must work for a certain period to fully own the matched contributions.
Can I access my Fortive 401(k) funds in case of financial hardship?
Yes, Fortive allows for hardship withdrawals under certain conditions, following IRS guidelines and plan rules.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Fortive offers a defined benefit pension plan, specifically a cash balance plan, which provides a guaranteed retirement benefit based on a formula that combines elements of both traditional defined benefit plans and defined contribution plans. In a cash balance plan, Fortive credits a participant's account with a set percentage of their annual salary, plus interest, which grows over time. Eligibility typically includes full-time employees who meet certain service or age requirements, although specifics can vary based on employment status and tenure.
In recent years, Fortive has adapted its cash balance plan to reflect changes in tax laws and interest rate strategies. For instance, in 2022, the company adjusted its plan interest crediting rates to align with prevailing market conditions and IRS regulations. By 2023 and 2024, Fortive continued to refine these rates to ensure compliance with updated tax laws and to optimize the financial performance of the plan.
Restructuring and Layoffs: In early 2024, Fortive announced a significant restructuring initiative aimed at streamlining its operations and reducing operational redundancies. This move resulted in layoffs affecting approximately 5% of its workforce across various divisions. The restructuring is part of Fortive's broader strategy to optimize its portfolio and focus on core growth areas. This is critical to follow given the ongoing economic volatility and investment uncertainties, which may impact both job security and company performance.
In 2022, Fortive granted stock options and RSUs to key employees and executives. Stock options were performance-based, and RSUs were part of long-term incentives. (Source: Fortive 2022 Annual Report, p. 49)
Health Insurance: Fortive offers a range of health insurance options including medical, dental, and vision coverage. The company provides comprehensive coverage plans with options for employees to choose from based on their needs.
Wellness Programs: Fortive emphasizes wellness through programs that may include health screenings, fitness reimbursements, and mental health resources.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): Employees can use FSAs for eligible medical expenses.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Access to confidential counseling services for personal and work-related issues.
Company Annual Reports or SEC Filings
Benefit Details: Recent reports confirm that Fortive provides competitive health benefits in line with industry standards. They continue to offer robust health insurance packages and wellness programs to support employee well-being.
Benefit Trends: There has been a focus on enhancing mental health resources and expanding access to telehealth services.
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