Why More Luxottica Employees Are Considering Social Security Early â And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Luxottica
Luxottica utilizes EssilorLuxottica, its parent company, as its primary healthcare provider. EssilorLuxottica has made significant strides in integrating wellness and health services for its employees to ensure they receive comprehensive healthcare tailored to their needs.
Upcoming Healthcare Cost Increases for 2026
As we approach 2026, healthcare costs are expected to rise significantly, with estimates indicating potential increases of up to 75% in out-of-pocket premiums for many consumers. This surge is largely attributed to the anticipated expiration of enhanced ACA premium subsidies and simultaneous rate hikes from major insurers, with states like New York reporting increases as high as 66%. Coupled with ongoing inflation in medical costs and a spike in demand for healthcare services, companies like Luxottica may see substantial financial pressure, necessitating strategic planning to mitigate the impact on both employees and operational budgets.
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'Luxottica 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.
'Luxottica 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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Luxottica 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 Luxottica 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 Luxottica 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 Luxottica 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 Luxottica.
đ 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 purpose of Luxottica's 401(k) Savings Plan?
The purpose of Luxottica's 401(k) Savings Plan is to help employees save for retirement by allowing them to contribute a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis.
How can I enroll in Luxottica's 401(k) Savings Plan?
You can enroll in Luxottica's 401(k) Savings Plan by completing the enrollment process through the company's HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
What types of contributions can I make to Luxottica's 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can make pre-tax contributions, Roth (after-tax) contributions, and potentially catch-up contributions if they are age 50 or older in Luxottica's 401(k) Savings Plan.
Does Luxottica offer a company match on 401(k) contributions?
Yes, Luxottica provides a company match on employee contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which helps employees increase their retirement savings.
What is the vesting schedule for Luxottica's 401(k) company match?
The vesting schedule for Luxottica's 401(k) company match typically follows a graded schedule, where employees earn ownership of the match over a specified period of service.
Can I change my contribution amount in Luxottica's 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, employees can change their contribution amount at any time during the year by submitting a request through the HR portal or contacting HR.
What investment options are available in Luxottica's 401(k) Savings Plan?
Luxottica's 401(k) Savings 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 I reallocate my investments in Luxottica's 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can reallocate their investments in Luxottica's 401(k) Savings Plan as often as they wish, subject to any specific trading restrictions set by the plan.
Is there a loan option available in Luxottica's 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, Luxottica's 401(k) Savings Plan may allow employees to take loans against their account balance under certain conditions.
What happens to my Luxottica 401(k) Savings Plan if I leave the company?
If you leave Luxottica, you have several options for your 401(k) Savings Plan, including rolling it over to an IRA or another employer's plan, or cashing it out, though cashing out may incur taxes and penalties.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Luxottica provides a defined contribution 401(k) plan with company matching contributions. Employees can contribute pre-tax or Roth (after-tax) dollars, and Luxottica matches a percentage of eligible compensation. The plan includes various investment options, such as target-date funds and mutual funds. Luxottica provides financial planning resources and tools to help employees manage their retirement savings.
EssilorLuxottica, formed from the merger of Luxottica and Essilor, has announced the consolidation of marketing jobs from Mason, Ohio to New York, with other corporate functions moving to Dallas. This restructuring is aimed at improving collaboration and building a unified corporate culture. While hundreds of jobs are being relocated, positions in EyeMed Vision Insurance, IT, and legal departments will remain in Mason. In response to economic pressures, EssilorLuxottica has decided to cancel its dividend for the fiscal year 2023 and reduce directors' pay. This measure is intended to mitigate financial impacts and ensure business continuity. The company may propose a special dividend payment later if the business recovery is robust enough.
Luxottica includes RSUs in its compensation packages, vesting over a specific period and providing shares upon vesting. Stock options are not typically part of their compensation plan.
Luxottica has designed its employee healthcare benefits to adapt to the dynamic economic and political climate of recent years. In 2023 and 2024, Luxottica has offered multiple medical and dental insurance plan options, ensuring comprehensive coverage for their employees. These options include high-deductible health plans with Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions of $500 for employees and an additional $500 for their spouses. The company also provides free vision insurance, leveraging its expertise in the eyewear industry to offer significant eyewear and product discounts to its employees. Additionally, Luxottica's benefits package includes a robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP), mental health support, and wellness initiatives to promote overall well-being (HACONTENT) (EssilorLuxottica Group Jobs).
In the current economic landscape, addressing healthcare benefits is crucial for attracting and retaining talent. Luxottica's approach to employee benefits reflects a broader trend where companies seek to balance cost management with high-quality healthcare provision. The emphasis on personalized healthcare plans and comprehensive support systems underscores the company's commitment to employee satisfaction and productivity. By integrating wellness programs and flexible healthcare options, Luxottica not only addresses immediate healthcare needs but also contributes to the long-term well-being of its workforce. Discussing healthcare benefits remains important as companies navigate economic uncertainties and healthcare regulations, ensuring that employees receive the necessary support to thrive both personally and professionally (HACONTENT) (EssilorLuxottica Group Jobs).
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Luxottica at 1000 nicollet mall Minneapolis, MN 55403; or by calling them at 612-696-6098.
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