Why More Ingersoll Rand Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Ingersoll Rand
Ingersoll Rand, a global leader in industrial technology, offers health insurance coverage primarily through its employer-sponsored health plans. The company's healthcare benefits are managed through various health insurance providers that include access to comprehensive medical plans, wellness programs, and healthcare networks aimed at promoting employee health and productivity.
Overview of Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
As we approach 2026, healthcare costs are projected to rise significantly due to a perfect storm of factors impacting the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. With anticipated premium hikes exceeding 60% in some states, coupled with the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies, many consumers could face out-of-pocket premium increases of over 75%. Insurers attribute these hikes to escalating medical costs, increased service utilization, and a challenging regulatory environment. This scenario places a heavy financial burden on individuals and families, emphasizing the need to strategically navigate healthcare choices in the upcoming year.
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'Ingersoll Rand 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.
'Ingersoll Rand 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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Ingersoll Rand 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 Ingersoll Rand 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 Ingersoll Rand 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 Ingersoll Rand 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 Ingersoll Rand.
📞 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 Ingersoll Rand 401(k) plan?
The Ingersoll Rand 401(k) plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out, helping them prepare for retirement.
How does Ingersoll Rand match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Ingersoll Rand offers a company match on employee contributions up to a certain percentage, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.
When can I enroll in the Ingersoll Rand 401(k) plan?
Employees can typically enroll in the Ingersoll Rand 401(k) plan during their initial onboarding or during the annual open enrollment period.
What are the investment options available in the Ingersoll Rand 401(k) plan?
The Ingersoll Rand 401(k) plan offers a range of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit various risk tolerances.
How can I change my contribution rate to the Ingersoll Rand 401(k) plan?
Employees can change their contribution rate to the Ingersoll Rand 401(k) plan by accessing the benefits portal or contacting the HR department for assistance.
Is there a vesting schedule for the Ingersoll Rand 401(k) company match?
Yes, the Ingersoll Rand 401(k) plan has a vesting schedule that determines how much of the company match you own based on your years of service.
Can I take a loan from my Ingersoll Rand 401(k) plan?
Yes, employees may be able to take a loan from their Ingersoll Rand 401(k) plan, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan documents.
What happens to my Ingersoll Rand 401(k) if I leave the company?
If you leave Ingersoll Rand, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) balance to another retirement account, withdraw the funds, or leave it in the Ingersoll Rand plan if permitted.
How often can I change my investment allocations in the Ingersoll Rand 401(k) plan?
Employees can change their investment allocations in the Ingersoll Rand 401(k) plan as often as they wish, subject to any restrictions set by the investment options.
What is the minimum contribution percentage for the Ingersoll Rand 401(k) plan?
The minimum contribution percentage for the Ingersoll Rand 401(k) plan may vary, but employees are encouraged to contribute at least enough to receive the full company match.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Ingersoll Rand's employee pension plan and 401(k) offerings have evolved over the years, with different structures for various categories of employees. The company originally established the Ingersoll Retirement Plan in 1988 as a single-employer, non-contributory defined benefit corporate pension (PitchBook). This plan provided retirement, pension, survival, and death benefits to retired and terminated employees of Ingersoll Rand, specifically covering those entitled to benefits under former company plans that were merged into the main plan (PitchBook). This pension plan was terminated in 2003 and is now administered under the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) (PBGC).
Ingersoll Rand also offers a 401(k) plan, which includes company contributions to employee retirement savings. As of 2023, Ingersoll Rand provides a matching contribution of 2% to the 401(k) plan for employees, although this percentage has varied based on employee classification and company policy (PBGC). The Ingersoll Rand 401(k) plan allows employees to contribute up to the IRS limit, with catch-up contributions available for employees aged 50 and above (
ayoffs and Facility Closure: Ingersoll Rand announced the closure of its Kent facility by May 2023, affecting approximately 69 employees. The closure was part of the company’s broader strategy to consolidate operations within their Power Tools and Lifting business. By streamlining production, the company aims to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer service through faster delivery times and lower expenses. Employees affected by the closure were offered severance packages and outplacement services to assist them in transitioning to new jobs (Kent Reporter).
This news is critical to address because it reflects the ongoing corporate restructuring amid broader economic challenges, impacting local job markets and tax revenues. With the current political landscape emphasizing job preservation, the closure signals important shifts in corporate strategies to sustain profitability and respond to economic pressures. Understanding these trends helps stakeholders evaluate the ripple effects on the industrial sector and regional employment
Ingersoll Rand offers a variety of employee stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) as part of their compensation packages, particularly for executives and key personnel. These stock options allow employees to purchase shares of Ingersoll Rand (NYSE: IR) at a set price, typically based on a vesting schedule linked to continued service or specific performance milestones. RSUs are granted as shares of the company that vest over time, becoming available upon meeting set conditions. Both stock options and RSUs are critical components of Ingersoll Rand's employee compensation, helping to incentivize long-term commitment and performance (Ingersoll Rand) (Ingersoll Rand).
Ingersoll Rand employees, especially at the executive and managerial levels, are eligible for these stock options and RSUs. The company's leadership places high importance on retaining top talent through these financial incentives, aligning their interests with the success of the company. In 2022, 2023, and 2024, Ingersoll Rand continued to enhance these offerings, emphasizing performance-based vesting to ensure that key contributors remain focused on achieving strategic goals
Ingersoll Rand provides a comprehensive health benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage. Their wellness programs also offer flexible spending accounts (FSAs), health savings accounts (HSAs), and access to an employee assistance program (EAP). In recent years, Ingersoll Rand has emphasized its commitment to employee well-being by enhancing mental health support, offering telemedicine options, and expanding coverage for preventive care. This focus on wellness aligns with the company’s broader mission of creating a supportive work environment
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