Why More Sherwin-Williams Employees Are Considering Social Security Early â And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Sherwin-Williams
Sherwin-Williams provides its employees with access to comprehensive healthcare benefits through employer-sponsored health plans, which include medical, dental, and vision coverage. These plans are designed to meet the diverse needs of their workforce and are typically updated annually during the open enrollment period each October and November.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases for Sherwin-Williams in 2026
As healthcare costs continue to rise, Sherwin-Williams may face significant increases in insurances premiums for 2026. Due to anticipated record hikes in Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans, some employees could see their healthcare expenses surge by over 75% if enhanced federal premium subsidies are not extended. This situation is compounded by rising medical costs, with overall healthcare costs expected to increase by approximately 8.5% for employers, meaning that Sherwin-Williams will likely need to navigate these challenges while managing employee healthcare benefits responsibly. As a proactive measure, employees might consider optimizing their healthcare choices in 2025 to mitigate potential financial impacts in the coming year.
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'Sherwin-Williams 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.
'Sherwin-Williams 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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Sherwin-Williams 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 Sherwin-Williams 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 Sherwin-Williams 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 Sherwin-Williams 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 Sherwin-Williams.
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 Sherwin-Williams 401(k) plan?
The Sherwin-Williams 401(k) plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary on a pre-tax or after-tax basis for their future retirement.
How can I enroll in the Sherwin-Williams 401(k) plan?
Employees can enroll in the Sherwin-Williams 401(k) plan by accessing the companys benefits portal or contacting the HR department for guidance on the enrollment process.
What is the employer match for the Sherwin-Williams 401(k) plan?
Sherwin-Williams offers a competitive employer match for contributions made to the 401(k) plan, typically matching a percentage of employee contributions up to a certain limit.
At what age can I start contributing to the Sherwin-Williams 401(k) plan?
Employees can start contributing to the Sherwin-Williams 401(k) plan as soon as they are eligible, which is generally after completing a certain period of service with the company.
Can I take a loan against my Sherwin-Williams 401(k) plan?
Yes, Sherwin-Williams allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) plan balance under certain conditions. Employees should review the plans specific loan provisions for details.
What investment options are available in the Sherwin-Williams 401(k) plan?
The Sherwin-Williams 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to help employees grow their retirement savings.
How often can I change my contribution amount to the Sherwin-Williams 401(k) plan?
Employees can change their contribution amount to the Sherwin-Williams 401(k) plan at designated times throughout the year, typically during open enrollment or after a qualifying life event.
Is there a vesting schedule for the Sherwin-Williams 401(k) employer match?
Yes, Sherwin-Williams has a vesting schedule for the employer match, meaning employees must work for the company for a certain period to fully own the matched contributions.
How can I check my Sherwin-Williams 401(k) balance?
Employees can check their Sherwin-Williams 401(k) balance by logging into the benefits portal or contacting the plan administrator for assistance.
What happens to my Sherwin-Williams 401(k) if I leave the company?
If you leave Sherwin-Williams, you have several options for your 401(k) balance, including rolling it over to an IRA or a new employers plan, cashing it out, or leaving it in the Sherwin-Williams plan if eligible.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Sherwin-Williams provides a defined contribution plan for its salaried employees, which includes a pension investment plan (PIP). This plan involves company contributions to an employee's account based on a percentage of their income, which increases with age and service. For union employees, there is a defined benefit pension plan based on years of service and specific contractual amounts. Both plans aim to provide stable retirement income for employees. Additionally, Sherwin-Williams offers a 401(k) plan with matching contributions to further support employee retirement savings.
Financial Performance and Layoffs: Sherwin-Williams reported modest sales growth of 0.5% for Q2 2024. The company is closing its Bedford Heights plant, resulting in 51 job cuts, as part of its efforts to streamline operations and reduce costs. Despite a softer macroeconomic environment, Sherwin-Williams is focusing on maintaining profitability and shareholder value through disciplined capital allocation and strategic market positioning (Sources: Sherwin-Williams, Cleveland.com).
Sherwin-Williams grants RSUs that vest over a period, providing shares upon vesting. Stock options are also available, allowing employees to purchase shares at a set price.
Sherwin-Williams has made significant updates to its employee healthcare benefits to align with the current economic, investment, tax, and political environment. In 2022, the company emphasized enhancing its occupational health and safety initiatives through the "S-W Cares" safety culture program. This program aims to reduce ergonomic injuries and workplace hazards by implementing comprehensive safety action plans and conducting monthly training sessions. These efforts reflect Sherwin-Williams' commitment to creating a safe and supportive work environment for its employees, which is crucial for maintaining productivity and morale. In 2023, Sherwin-Williams continued to build on these initiatives by launching a new data management system to improve reporting and oversight capabilities related to health and safety issues. This system includes dedicated learning and training modules designed to promote continuous improvement in workplace safety. Additionally, the company's sustainability framework highlights the integration of health and wellness programs into its overall strategy. By investing in comprehensive healthcare and safety benefits, Sherwin-Williams aims to attract and retain top talent, ensuring long-term business success and resilience amid economic uncertainties.
For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Sherwin-Williams at 101 w prospect ave Cleveland, OH 44115; or by calling them at 216-566-2000.
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