Why More LCI Industries Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for LCI Industries
LCI Industries offers its employees access to healthcare benefits through various insurance providers. Typically, companies like LCI partner with major health insurance carriers to provide a range of plans that may include medical, dental, and vision coverage. Specific details about the health insurance providers associated with LCI Industries are best retrieved directly from the company's benefits documentation or human resources department.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
In 2026, healthcare costs are anticipated to rise significantly, driven by various factors, including the potential expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Many states are facing proposed premium hikes, with some exceeding 60%, as insurers adjust rates to reflect escalating medical costs and inflationary pressures. The combined effect of the loss of subsidies and aggressive rate increases could see out-of-pocket premiums for consumers jump by over 75%, highlighting the urgent need for individuals to proactively assess their healthcare strategies for the upcoming year.
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'LCI Industries 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.
'LCI Industries 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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LCI Industries 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 LCI Industries 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 LCI Industries 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 LCI Industries 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 LCI Industries.
📞 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 401(k) plan offered by LCI Industries?
The 401(k) plan at LCI Industries is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.
How can I enroll in the 401(k) plan at LCI Industries?
Employees can enroll in the LCI Industries 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment form available on the company’s HR portal.
Does LCI Industries match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, LCI Industries offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.
What is the maximum contribution limit for the LCI Industries 401(k) plan?
The maximum contribution limit for the LCI Industries 401(k) plan is set by the IRS and can change annually. Employees should refer to the latest IRS guidelines for the current limits.
When can I start contributing to the 401(k) plan at LCI Industries?
Employees at LCI Industries can start contributing to the 401(k) plan after completing their initial eligibility period, typically within the first few months of employment.
What investment options are available in the LCI Industries 401(k) plan?
The LCI Industries 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles tailored to meet different risk tolerances.
How often can I change my contribution amount to the LCI Industries 401(k) plan?
Employees can change their contribution amounts to the LCI Industries 401(k) plan on a quarterly basis or as specified in the plan guidelines.
Can I take a loan against my 401(k) at LCI Industries?
Yes, LCI Industries allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to certain conditions and limits outlined in the plan documents.
What happens to my 401(k) if I leave LCI Industries?
If you leave LCI Industries, you have several options for your 401(k), including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it in the LCI Industries plan if permitted.
Is there a vesting schedule for the LCI Industries 401(k) matching contributions?
Yes, LCI Industries has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, which means that employees earn ownership of the matching funds over time based on their years of service.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
LCI Industries offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes both a 401(k) plan and a pension plan for its employees, covering the years 2022, 2023, and 2024. The company's 401(k) plan features a company match, which is designed to encourage employees to save for their retirement. This plan allows employees to enroll and includes options for spouse, domestic partner, and eligible children.
The pension plan at LCI Industries, although not as widely detailed in public documents as the 401(k) plan, is still a crucial component of their retirement offerings. Employees typically qualify based on a combination of years of service and age, though specific qualifications and the pension formula details are not readily available in the public domain. The pension plan is designed to provide additional financial security to employees upon retirement, supplementing the 401(k) savings.
In terms of company terminology, LCI uses standard industry acronyms and terms related to retirement planning, such as "401(k)", "match", and "pension". Specific documents reviewed do not provide further proprietary acronyms or unique terminology specific to LCI.
For the detailed breakdown of eligibility criteria, years of service, and precise pension formulas, employees are encouraged to review internal HR documents or reach out directly to LCI’s benefits department. The relevant information can be found on LCI's official benefits webpage and through their financial reports (LCIBest) (LCI Investors).
In 2023-2024, LCI Industries faced significant financial and operational challenges, resulting in restructuring and cost-cutting initiatives. The company implemented layoffs due to declining demand in the recreational vehicle sector, one of its primary markets. LCI Industries aimed to reduce its overhead by focusing on core business areas, cutting expenses, and optimizing production efficiency. These moves were vital for LCI to navigate market volatility and stabilize its financial position (Business Wire) (Business Wire).
Alongside the layoffs, LCI Industries made changes to employee benefits, including adjusting pension plans and modifying the 401(k) offerings. These benefit changes were part of broader efforts to realign employee costs with the company's reduced revenue expectations. The restructuring of benefits is an essential measure to ensure that LCI Industries remains competitive in a challenging economic environment, while still providing long-term retirement options for its employees. Addressing these developments is crucial due to the ongoing economic uncertainty, rising inflation, and evolving tax policies, which all influence corporate strategies (Business Wire) (Business Wire).
LCI Industries (LCII) offers stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) to its employees, primarily as part of their executive compensation package. These equity incentives are designed to align the interests of the company's leadership with those of its shareholders by providing executives with a stake in the company's future success.
In 2022, 2023, and 2024, LCI Industries continued to grant both stock options and RSUs to eligible employees, mainly targeting senior management and key executives. The stock options typically vest over a period of time, and the exercise price is generally set at the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant. RSUs, on the other hand, are generally time-based awards that vest upon the completion of specified service periods.
The availability of these stock options and RSUs is contingent on the employee’s role within the company. Higher-level executives and those in strategic positions are more likely to receive such awards. For example, the company’s executive team, including positions such as the Chief Financial Officer and Group Presidents, are key recipients.
For specific details regarding the stock options and RSUs, such as the exact number of options granted or the specific vesting schedules, you would need to refer to the company’s filings with the SEC. For instance, detailed information about these equity awards can typically be found in the company's annual proxy statements or 10-K filings, where you can locate the data, including page numbers, on these equity compensation plans.
Sources for the above information include LCI Industries' official investor relations page, MarketBeat, and PitchBook (LCI Investors) (PitchBook) (MarketBeat).
LCI Industries offers a comprehensive healthcare benefits package designed to support both employees and their families. As part of their benefits, LCI provides health insurance through well-known national providers, covering a significant portion of premiums. Employees can enroll in health, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance plans that extend to spouses, domestic partners, and dependents. Additionally, LCI's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers professional and confidential services to assist with work-life challenges. The company also supports financial wellness with flexible spending accounts (FSA) and a 401(k) plan with matching contributions. LCI Industries is committed to maintaining competitive health benefits, a critical aspect as healthcare costs continue to rise in the U.S., affecting employees' financial stability (LCIBest) (Mercer | Welcome to brighter).
The increasing cost of healthcare, projected to rise by 5.4% in 2024, emphasizes the importance of LCI Industries' benefits package in today's economic environment. With healthcare inflation driven by the increased utilization of specialty drugs and a surge in chronic conditions, LCI is strategically managing costs while ensuring comprehensive coverage for its workforce. Employers like LCI must balance rising costs with affordability for employees, especially given the current political and economic climate where healthcare is a growing concern for both employers and employees (Mercer | Welcome to brighter) (Risk & Insurance).
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