Why More Lennox International Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Lennox International utilizes the services of Aetna as its healthcare provider, offering employees access to a variety of health insurance plans.
As we approach 2026, healthcare costs are projected to rise significantly, impacting individuals across the country, including employees at Lennox International. The anticipated expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies from the Affordable Care Act (ACA) could lead to a staggering increase in premiums, with some states reporting hikes of over 60%. This perfect storm of factors-escalating medical costs exacerbated by a highly profitable insurance sector-may see many consumers facing out-of-pocket premium increases exceeding 75%, creating financial strain for those dependent on ACA marketplace plans. It's imperative for employees to prepare and consider their options carefully in the face of these impending changes.
Click here to learn more
'Lennox International 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.
'Lennox International 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.
1
And for those with an FRA of 66, the increase if one waits until age 70 is closer to 32%.
1
Lennox International 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,
2
affecting many households and Lennox International 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.
3
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 Lennox International 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 Lennox International 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 Lennox International.
📞 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 types of retirement plans does Lennox International offer to its employees?
Lennox International offers a 401(k) Savings Plan that allows employees to save for retirement through pre-tax contributions.
How can employees of Lennox International enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees of Lennox International can enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan during their onboarding process or during open enrollment periods.
Does Lennox International match employee contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, Lennox International offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which helps employees grow their retirement savings.
What is the maximum contribution limit for the 401(k) Savings Plan at Lennox International?
The maximum contribution limit for the 401(k) Savings Plan at Lennox International is subject to IRS limits, which can change annually. Employees should check the latest guidelines for specific amounts.
Can employees of Lennox International take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, Lennox International allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan, subject to certain terms and conditions.
What investment options are available in the Lennox International 401(k) Savings Plan?
The 401(k) Savings Plan at Lennox International 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 the 401(k) Savings Plan at Lennox International?
Employees at Lennox International can change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) Savings Plan on a quarterly basis or during designated enrollment periods.
Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in the Lennox International 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, there is a vesting schedule for the employer match in the Lennox International 401(k) Savings Plan, which determines when employees fully own the matched contributions.
What happens to the 401(k) Savings Plan if an employee leaves Lennox International?
If an employee leaves Lennox International, they have several options for their 401(k) Savings Plan, including rolling it over to another retirement account or cashing it out, subject to taxes and penalties.
How can employees access their 401(k) Savings Plan account information at Lennox International?
Employees can access their 401(k) Savings Plan account information through the company's online benefits portal or by contacting the HR department.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Pension Plan:
Lennox International offers its employees the Lennox International Inc. 2008 Consolidated Pension Plan, which is available for U.S.-based employees. The pension formula used by Lennox is a Defined Benefit formula, where retirement benefits are determined based on years of service and final average earnings. This plan applies to employees with long-term tenure and is part of Lennox's broader efforts to offer retirement security. Lennox International calculates benefits based on a multiplier applied to the employee's final average salary and length of service. The company has historically adjusted pension funding as needed to account for market conditions. The 2008 Consolidated Pension Plan continues to be relevant through 2023 and 2024. [Source: SEC Filing, Page 45] (Lennox).
401(k) Plan:
Lennox International offers a 401(k) plan to both salaried and hourly employees, referred to as the Lennox International Inc. 401(k) Plan. Employees are eligible to participate after meeting the required age and service thresholds. The company provides a matching contribution of up to 6%, which applies to all eligible employees. The 401(k) plan includes both traditional and Roth options, allowing employees to make pre-tax or post-tax contributions depending on their financial goals. The plan has continued to operate efficiently throughout 2022, 2023, and 2024, allowing employees to grow their retirement savings with company support. [Source: Lennox Annual Report, Page 72] (Lennox).
In 2023, Lennox International divested its European operations as part of its restructuring efforts to focus on its core North American market. This was driven by rising material costs, inflation, and a shift towards energy-efficient solutions. Lennox also projected a core revenue growth between 0-4% for 2023, with long-term revenue targets between $5.0-$5.5 billion by 2026. CEO Alok Maskara emphasized the importance of cost reduction and leveraging productivity initiatives to offset inflation (Lennox). Lennox’s restructuring and financial projections reflect the company’s efforts to remain competitive amid economic challenges and inflationary pressures.
It is critical to address Lennox’s restructuring and benefit changes in light of the current economic, tax, and political environment. Rising costs and regulatory shifts in the energy sector are prompting companies like Lennox to focus on financial stability, sustainability, and innovation. The company’s ability to adapt to these challenges by cutting costs and focusing on core markets will significantly impact its long-term success and employee benefits.
Lennox International offers stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) to its employees as part of their executive compensation plan. In 2022, 2023, and 2024, Lennox International granted RSUs under time-based vesting schedules. These RSUs do not require employees to purchase shares; instead, shares are delivered upon vesting, which aligns with performance and retention goals. Stock options allow employees to purchase shares at a fixed price after meeting specific conditions. These plans aim to incentivize long-term employment and performance improvements for eligible employees.
For instance, RSUs were granted on March 15, 2023, with 2,052 shares vesting, and future vesting schedules are set for March 15, 2024 (Lennox) (Lennox) (Lennox). Only executives and key employees, such as directors and covered persons under Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act, are eligible to receive these RSUs and stock options
Lennox International offers a comprehensive suite of health benefits to its employees, emphasizing wellness and flexibility. Employees have access to various health plans, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs). Lennox International also prioritizes mental health, offering programs such as employee assistance plans (EAPs) to support psychological well-being. Recent updates to Lennox's benefits structure reflect a growing focus on preventative care and wellness initiatives, which align with current trends toward promoting long-term employee health (Built In) (Lennox). These changes are particularly important in the current economic and political environment, where healthcare costs continue to rise, and there is increased pressure for companies to provide sustainable health benefits to attract and retain talent.
In light of the growing demand for high-quality healthcare, Lennox International has also implemented benefits related to disability coverage, life insurance, and wellness programs, which include incentives for healthy living (Lennox). These initiatives are critical as companies face economic challenges and evolving tax regulations that could impact employer-provided health benefits. Addressing healthcare topics in this context is essential, as political decisions regarding healthcare policy can directly influence the stability and cost of corporate health plans. Lennox International's approach to healthcare aims to protect employees against rising healthcare expenses while ensuring compliance with current tax and economic policies
Additional Articles
Check Out Articles for Lennox International employees
/General/General%205.png?width=1280&height=853&name=General%205.png)
-2.png?width=300&height=200&name=office-builing-main-lobby%20(52)-2.png)
.webp?width=300&height=200&name=office-builing-main-lobby%20(27).webp)
-2.png)
.webp)