Why More ITT Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for ITT
ITT is associated with multiple healthcare insurance providers, depending on the region and specific employees' enrollment in plans. However, a notable mention is UnitedHealthcare, which provides comprehensive healthcare options to many ITT employees.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
As the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace braces for substantial healthcare premium hikes in 2026, ITT employees may find themselves facing increased financial burdens. With insurers predicting average increases of approximately 20%, some states could see hikes exceeding 60%, primarily driven by high medical costs and the potential expiration of enhanced federal subsidies. Analysts estimate that without these subsidies, most enrollees-around 92%-could see their out-of-pocket costs surge by over 75%, emphasizing the critical need for ITT employees to assess their healthcare options and prepare for these impending financial changes., 'sources': [], 'images': []
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'ITT 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.
'ITT 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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ITT 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 ITT 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 ITT 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 ITT 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 ITT.
📞 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 ITT 401(k) Savings Plan?
The ITT 401(k) Savings Plan is a retirement savings plan that allows eligible employees of ITT to save and invest a portion of their paycheck before taxes are withheld.
How can I enroll in the ITT 401(k) Savings Plan?
You can enroll in the ITT 401(k) Savings Plan by accessing the employee benefits portal or contacting the HR department for assistance with the enrollment process.
What are the eligibility requirements for the ITT 401(k) Savings Plan?
To be eligible for the ITT 401(k) Savings Plan, you must be a regular full-time or part-time employee of ITT and meet any additional criteria set by the plan.
Does ITT match contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, ITT offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which helps employees increase their retirement savings.
What is the maximum contribution limit for the ITT 401(k) Savings Plan?
The maximum contribution limit for the ITT 401(k) Savings Plan is determined by the IRS and may change annually. Please refer to the plan documents for the current limit.
Can I change my contribution percentage to the ITT 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, you can change your contribution percentage to the ITT 401(k) Savings Plan at any time by submitting a request through the employee benefits portal.
What investment options are available in the ITT 401(k) Savings Plan?
The ITT 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles. You can choose based on your risk tolerance and retirement goals.
When can I access my funds from the ITT 401(k) Savings Plan?
You can access your funds from the ITT 401(k) Savings Plan upon reaching retirement age, or if you experience a qualifying event such as termination of employment or financial hardship.
What happens to my ITT 401(k) Savings Plan if I leave the company?
If you leave ITT, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash out your balance (subject to taxes and penalties), or leave it in the ITT plan if allowed.
Are loans available through the ITT 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, the ITT 401(k) Savings Plan may allow participants to take loans against their account balance, subject to certain conditions 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.
Plan Name: ITT Pension Plan
Years of Service and Age Qualification: Employees generally need to have a minimum number of years of service and reach a certain age to qualify for the pension plan. Specifics vary, but typically, ITT requires employees to reach age 65 and have at least 5 years of service.
Pension Formula: The formula often used by ITT for pension calculations includes factors such as years of service and average salary over a specified period.
Plan Name: ITT 401(k) Savings Plan
Qualifications: Generally, employees who are at least 21 years old and have completed 1 year of service are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan. Contributions can be made pre-tax, and ITT may provide matching contributions up to a certain percentage of the employee’s salary.
Restructuring and Layoffs: In 2023, ITT announced a significant restructuring plan aimed at streamlining its operations and improving efficiency. The company revealed that it would be laying off approximately 7% of its global workforce as part of this initiative. This decision is part of a broader strategy to enhance ITT's competitive position in a challenging market. The restructuring is expected to help ITT better align its resources with strategic priorities and reduce operational costs. Importance: Given the current economic and investment climate, ITT's restructuring and layoffs are crucial to monitor. Companies undergoing such changes may face significant shifts in their financial health, which can impact stock performance and investor confidence. Additionally, the broader economic environment and evolving tax policies could influence how these adjustments affect ITT's overall performance and strategic direction.
Stock Options and RSUs Available:
Apple Inc. (AAPL) offers stock options and RSUs as part of its employee compensation package. Stock options are granted based on performance and role within the company, while RSUs are typically awarded to key employees and executives as part of long-term incentives.
Specifics for 2022, 2023, and 2024:
In 2022, Apple Inc. (AAPL) continued to offer stock options with a vesting period of four years and RSUs with a vesting period of three to four years. For 2023, the company maintained similar stock option and RSU structures, with some adjustments for new hires. In 2024, Apple Inc. (AAPL) introduced performance-based RSUs in addition to the standard offerings.
Health Benefits Overview: ITT provides comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance. Their plans often include preventive care, hospitalization, prescription drug coverage, and wellness programs.
Acronyms and Terms: Commonly used terms include PPO (Preferred Provider Organization), HSA (Health Savings Account), and EAP (Employee Assistance Program).
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