Why More Meritage Homes Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: For Meritage Homes, the primary healthcare provider is typically a group plan that offers access to a variety of services through established insurers, though specific details may vary across different regions and employment packages. As of now, they may collaborate with national insurers such as UnitedHealthcare or Kaiser Permanente, but for precise information regarding the current healthcare provider, it would be advisable to consult their human resources department or official communications.
Looking ahead to 2026, healthcare costs are projected to rise significantly, driven by various factors such as increasing medical expenses and the possible loss of enhanced federal premium subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Reports indicate that without congressional intervention, premiums could soar for 92% of policyholders, potentially rising over 75%, particularly affecting those enrolled in ACA marketplace plans. Consequently, employers, including those at Meritage Homes, may face tough decisions about providing health benefits, as many are likely to reduce or modify offerings to manage these escalating costs. As a result, employees may need to brace for a substantial increase in their out-of-pocket healthcare expenses in 2026.
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'Meritage Homes 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.
'Meritage Homes 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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Meritage Homes 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 Meritage Homes 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 Meritage Homes 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 Meritage Homes 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 Meritage Homes.
📞 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 plan does Meritage Homes offer to its employees?
Meritage Homes offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.
Does Meritage Homes match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Meritage Homes provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.
What is the eligibility requirement for employees to participate in the Meritage Homes 401(k) plan?
Employees of Meritage Homes are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of employment, typically 30 days.
Can employees at Meritage Homes choose how their 401(k) contributions are invested?
Yes, employees at Meritage Homes can select from a variety of investment options within the 401(k) plan to suit their individual risk tolerance and retirement goals.
What is the maximum employee contribution limit to the Meritage Homes 401(k) plan?
The maximum employee contribution limit to the Meritage Homes 401(k) plan is determined by IRS guidelines, which may change annually.
Are there any fees associated with the Meritage Homes 401(k) plan?
Yes, like most 401(k) plans, the Meritage Homes 401(k) plan may have administrative fees and investment-related fees, which are disclosed in the plan documents.
How often can employees at Meritage Homes change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) plan?
Employees at Meritage Homes can change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) plan during designated enrollment periods or as allowed by the plan.
Does Meritage Homes offer a loan option against the 401(k) savings?
Yes, Meritage Homes allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to the plan's terms and conditions.
What happens to my 401(k) savings if I leave Meritage Homes?
If you leave Meritage Homes, you can roll over your 401(k) savings into another qualified retirement account, cash out, or leave the funds in the Meritage Homes plan if allowed.
Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in the Meritage Homes 401(k) plan?
Yes, the employer match in the Meritage Homes 401(k) plan typically follows a vesting schedule, which means employees must work for a certain period to fully own the matched funds.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Name of Plan: Information not found for a specific pension plan.
Eligibility: Meritage Homes does not appear to offer a traditional pension plan. They may rely on alternative retirement benefits, such as 401(k) plans.
Pension Formula: Not applicable.
Years of Service/Age Qualification: Not applicable.
Name of Plan: Meritage Homes 401(k) Plan
Eligibility: Typically, employees are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan upon hire or after a short waiting period. Specific eligibility details may vary based on employment agreements.
401(k) Plan Details:
Contribution: Employees can contribute a portion of their salary to the plan, often with company match contributions.
Company Match: Meritage Homes may provide a matching contribution based on employee contributions.
Vesting Schedule: Employees typically become vested in the employer contributions after a certain number of years of service.
Restructuring and Layoffs: In 2023, Meritage Homes announced a strategic restructuring aimed at streamlining operations to improve efficiency. The company reduced its workforce by approximately 5%, primarily affecting administrative and support roles. This decision was driven by the need to adapt to changing market conditions and to optimize operational costs. Addressing this news is crucial given the current economic environment, where companies are continually adjusting their structures to remain competitive. Additionally, the impact of such layoffs can influence the overall job market and employee morale.
Stock Options: Meritage Homes granted stock options as part of their employee compensation package. These options were primarily available to executives and senior management. Specific details and eligibility criteria were outlined in their 2022 annual report, which can be found on page 58 of the document.
RSUs: Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) were also a component of Meritage Homes’ compensation strategy. RSUs were allocated to a broader group of employees, including middle management. The specifics regarding the RSU grants were detailed on page 60 of the 2022 annual report.
Healthcare Coverage Changes (2024): Recent reports indicate that Meritage Homes has updated its healthcare plans to include more comprehensive mental health services and preventive care options. There is a focus on improving wellness benefits and access to telehealth services.
Employee Feedback: Employees have reported positive changes in healthcare benefits, particularly noting improvements in the availability of telehealth services and mental health support.
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