New Update: Healthcare Costs Increasing by Over 60% in Some States. Will you be impacted?

Why More PVH Employees Are Considering Social Security Early â€” And How Medicare Changes Play a Role

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for PVH PVH Corp., known for its popular brands such as Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, typically utilizes a range of healthcare providers for its employees. These may include major health insurance carriers like UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and Cigna, depending on the specific needs and regional availability of services. The exact provider can vary based on employee location and plan options. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 for PVH As healthcare premiums are anticipated to rise sharply in 2026, PVH could face significant cost increases for its employee health insurance. This surge is driven largely by rising medical costs and the potential expiration of enhanced federal premium tax credits, which could collectively increase out-of-pocket expenses by over 75% for many enrollees. In particular, some states are expecting premium hikes surpassing 60%, placing additional financial pressure on companies like PVH, which will need to strategically assess their healthcare options to manage these impending costs effectively. Click here to learn more

'PVH 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.

'PVH 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 PVH 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 PVH 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 PVH 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 PVH 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 PVH.

ðŸ“ž 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.

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Articles you may find interesting:

Sources:

1. CNBC. ' Does it still make sense to wait to claim Social Security retirement benefits? ' by Lorie Konish. 29 Apr. 2025.
2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. ' 15 percent of private industry workers had access to a defined benefit retirement plan ,' 10 Apr. 2024.
3. Kaiser Family Foundation. “ Health Costs Consume a Large Portion of Income for Millions of People with Medicare ,' by Ochieng, Nancy; Juliette Cubanski; Tricia Neuman; Anthony Damico. 21 Aug. 2025.
Other Resources:
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 primary purpose of PVH's 401(k) Savings Plan?

The primary purpose of PVH's 401(k) Savings Plan is to help employees save for retirement by allowing them to contribute a portion of their salary on a tax-deferred basis.

How can employees enroll in PVH's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can enroll in PVH's 401(k) Savings Plan by accessing the enrollment portal through the company’s HR website or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

What types of contributions can employees make to PVH's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can make pre-tax contributions, Roth (after-tax) contributions, and in some cases, catch-up contributions if they are age 50 or older to PVH's 401(k) Savings Plan.

Does PVH offer a company match for the 401(k) contributions?

Yes, PVH offers a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.

What is the vesting schedule for the company match in PVH's 401(k) Savings Plan?

The vesting schedule for the company match in PVH's 401(k) Savings Plan typically follows a graded vesting schedule, which means employees earn ownership of the match over a period of time.

Can employees change their contribution percentage to PVH's 401(k) Savings Plan at any time?

Yes, employees can change their contribution percentage to PVH's 401(k) Savings Plan at any time, usually through the online portal or by contacting HR.

What investment options are available in PVH's 401(k) Savings Plan?

PVH'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.

Is there a minimum contribution requirement for PVH's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, there is typically a minimum contribution requirement for PVH's 401(k) Savings Plan, which may vary based on the plan's guidelines.

How often can employees make changes to their investment allocations in PVH's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can generally make changes to their investment allocations in PVH's 401(k) Savings Plan on a quarterly basis or as specified by the plan rules.

What happens to an employee's 401(k) balance if they leave PVH?

If an employee leaves PVH, they have several options for their 401(k) balance, including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out (subject to taxes and penalties), or leaving it in the PVH plan if permitted.