Why More Lennar Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Lennar Corporation, primarily known as a home construction company, does not directly offer healthcare services. However, they often engage with major healthcare providers and insurers for employee health plans. One notable healthcare provider associated with Lennar is UnitedHealthcare, which offers health insurance products that can include coverage for Lennar's employees.
As healthcare costs are poised to rise rapidly in 2026, various factors are contributing to this trend. The impending expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is projected to severely impact many enrollees, resulting in potential premium increases of over 75% for those who rely on these subsidies. This scenario is exacerbated by climbing medical costs, driven by inflation in hospital and drug expenses. As a result, consumers and employers alike are bracing for significant financial strain in the healthcare landscape as they prepare for this challenging year ahead.
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'Lennar 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.
'Lennar 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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Lennar 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 Lennar 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 Lennar 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 Lennar 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 Lennar.
📞 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 Lennar offer to its employees?
Lennar offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.
How can employees at Lennar enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Employees at Lennar can enroll in the 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment process through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
Does Lennar match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Lennar provides a matching contribution to employee 401(k) accounts, which helps enhance retirement savings.
What is the maximum contribution limit for Lennar's 401(k) plan?
The maximum contribution limit for Lennar's 401(k) plan is in line with IRS regulations, which can change annually. Employees should check the latest guidelines for the current limit.
Can employees at Lennar take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, Lennar allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to certain terms and conditions outlined in the plan documents.
What investment options are available in Lennar's 401(k) plan?
Lennar's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.
How often can employees at Lennar change their 401(k) contribution amounts?
Employees at Lennar can change their 401(k) contribution amounts during designated enrollment periods or at any time as allowed by the plan provisions.
Is there a vesting schedule for Lennar's 401(k) matching contributions?
Yes, Lennar has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, meaning employees must work for the company for a certain period before they fully own the match.
What happens to my 401(k) if I leave Lennar?
If you leave Lennar, you can roll over your 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash it out, or leave it in the plan if allowed.
Are there any fees associated with Lennar's 401(k) plan?
Yes, there may be administrative fees and investment-related fees associated with Lennar's 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Lennar offers both a pension plan and a 401(k) plan to its employees. The company’s 401(k) plan allows full-time and part-time employees to enroll, with company matching contributions. This 401(k) plan is part of Lennar’s retirement planning benefits, which help employees save for the future. According to Lennar’s official benefits page, all eligible employees can participate in the 401(k) plan with a company match (Lennar).
Lennar also provides a pension plan, although specific details regarding the exact formula for the pension plan, such as years of service and age qualifications, are not immediately available on their public benefits page. Lennar encourages its associates to participate in these retirement plans to prepare for their post-employment financial security. The company's focus is on ensuring that its employees have access to a comprehensive retirement package, though further details on the exact structure of the pension plan would require more internal documents or direct inquiries.
Based on available sources, Lennar emphasizes a flexible approach to retirement, allowing employees to benefit from both their 401(k) and pension contributions, ensuring financial wellness during retirement (Lennar).
Restructuring Layoffs: Lennar Corporation continues to navigate economic challenges, driven in part by increased costs in construction materials, rising mortgage interest rates, and overall inflation. In response to the downturn in real estate markets and reduced demand for homes, Lennar has announced strategic layoffs across multiple departments to streamline operations and reduce operational costs. This restructuring effort aims to enhance long-term profitability, though the company acknowledges the short-term hardships caused by workforce reductions (Lennar Corporation).
Importance: Addressing this news is crucial given the current economic environment, as rising inflation and interest rates directly impact housing markets. Understanding these layoffs is essential for stakeholders and employees to assess Lennar's future financial health and investment strategies during a time of market volatility (Lennar Corporation).
For Lennar Corporation, the available stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) are designed to incentivize long-term retention and align employee performance with company growth. Lennar offers Incentive Stock Options (ISOs) and Non-Qualified Stock Options (NSOs) to eligible employees, allowing them to purchase shares of Lennar stock at a fixed price after a vesting period. RSUs, on the other hand, are provided to key employees as a form of deferred compensation, vesting over a specified period, often contingent on performance metrics or tenure at Lennar.
Eligibility for stock options and RSUs at Lennar includes senior management and select employees identified as critical to the company's strategic objectives. These benefits are not broadly distributed to all employees but rather allocated to those in roles with significant decision-making responsibilities. RSUs at Lennar typically vest in increments, providing long-term value as the company stock appreciates (Simply Wall St) (Stock Analysis).
In 2023, Lennar continued offering these benefits, with stock options granted as part of long-term incentive plans and RSUs used to reward sustained performance. The company's stock option grants generally have a 10-year term, while RSUs are subject to a three-to-five-year vesting schedule (Stock Analysis). Specific details on grants and eligibility can be found in Lennar's annual report, which outlines these compensation strategies under the executive compensation section.
Lennar offers a comprehensive healthcare package designed to support the well-being of its employees and their families. Their benefits include full medical, dental, and vision coverage, with prescription drug options integrated into the health plans. Lennar also prioritizes employee wellness through programs like the Well-Being Max Bonus, which provides incentives for healthy living, and they offer unique support, such as a Chief Medical Officer dedicated to advising associates on health matters. Lennar’s commitment to health extends beyond the basics by including coverage for short-term disability and an adoption assistance program, reimbursing up to $30,000 per child. These healthcare programs have remained consistent from 2022 through 2024, with enhancements aimed at adapting to the evolving economic and health landscapes (Lennar) (Lennar).
In the current economic and political climate, it is vital to understand how healthcare benefits are impacted by inflation and shifting tax policies. Lennar has ensured that its employees maintain access to affordable healthcare by including coverage for essential services and providing programs to offset rising medical costs. With healthcare costs and insurance premiums under scrutiny due to political shifts, Lennar’s proactive measures to include comprehensive coverage and wellness programs highlight the importance of addressing these challenges. In a competitive real estate market, Lennar’s healthcare benefits not only support employee retention but also position the company favorably amid uncertainties in the healthcare and insurance sectors (Lennar Corporation) (Lennar Corporation).
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