Digital Trends in Employee Benefits for 2024 Enrollment Period

Key Insights from 2024 Healthcare Open Enrollment

During the recent annual healthcare open enrollment period, Alight, Inc. (NYSE: ALIT), recognized for its innovative cloud-based human capital and technology services, shared insightful observations. Analyzing the behaviors and preferences of over 10 million individuals using the Alight Worklife® platform offered remarkable findings.

Digital Engagement on the Rise

One of the standout revelations from this analysis was the overwhelming reliance on digital platforms for benefits enrollment. An impressive 96% of users completed their enrollments digitally, marking a notable increase in mobile application usage—up by 69% from the previous year. This shift signifies a broader trend where employees are increasingly comfortable using technology to engage with their role in their own healthcare.

Understanding Employee Choices

As digital engagement surges, it's critical to consider the choices employees are making regarding their health plans. The data indicated that 74% of users opted for employer-sponsored plans, with Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) being the most popular choice at 40%, followed closely by high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) at 36%. This preference highlights a need for employers to continuously evaluate the options they offer to ensure they meet employee needs.

Growth in Health Savings Accounts

Another noteworthy trend was the significant year-over-year growth in Health Savings Account (HSA) enrollments. About 72% of eligible individuals chose to enroll in HSAs, continuing a steady increase from earlier years. This trend emphasizes employees' commitment to contributing towards their health savings, with many benefiting from matching employer contributions.

Increased Interest in Voluntary Benefits

The enrollment in supplemental health coverage grew to 33%, an increase from 31% in the previous year. This shift demonstrates a growing awareness and interest among employees for additional benefits that can support their health and financial wellbeing. Additionally, the rise in Spouse Whole Life coverage by five points indicates a trend toward securing varied financial safety nets.

Opportunities for Employers

For employers, the insights gleaned during the enrollment period present vital opportunities to enhance their benefits strategies. A tech-savvy, user-friendly process for benefits enrollment combined with personalized support can cater to the diverse needs of today's workforce. Employers must consider several important aspects:

Empowering Employee Confidence

Despite high levels of digital engagement, there is a disconnection when it comes to employee confidence. Less than two-thirds of employees felt assured about their health plan selections. Providing tools such as health savings calculators and plan comparisons can elevate their decision-making confidence significantly.

Flexible Benefits for a Diverse Workforce

Today's workforce is not the same as it was in the past. Offering a range of voluntary benefits can address the varied needs of employees, making their overall experience more fulfilling. Flexibility in benefits allows for a more tailored approach that resonates with individual circumstances.

Guidance in Benefits Navigation

While HDHPs and PPOs continue to be preferred, ongoing education about these plans is essential. Employers can drive adoption rates by introducing more matching contributions and promoting the various financial and tax advantages that HSAs offer. This is particularly pertinent as employees seek ways to manage the increasing costs associated with healthcare.

Karen Frost, Vice President of Go-to-Market Strategy for Health at Alight, emphasized the importance of a technology-driven enrollment experience combined with personalized support: “With today’s workforce becoming increasingly diverse, it’s evident that employers must move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach.” She encourages employers to consider open enrollment as merely the starting point for ongoing employee engagement throughout the year.

About Alight Solutions

Alight is a premier cloud-based human capital technology and services provider, supporting numerous global organizations and over 35 million individuals and their dependents. Their experience in administering employee benefits aids clients in building healthier, financially secure workforces by integrating various health, wealth, and wellbeing components. The Alight Worklife® platform grants employers deeper insights into their workforce, facilitating personalized benefits management that enhances overall employee engagement and productivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key findings from the 2024 open enrollment period?

The analysis indicated increased digital engagement, growth in HSAs, and higher enrollment in voluntary benefits, reflecting evolving employee preferences.

Why is digital engagement important in healthcare enrollment?

Digital engagement simplifies and streamlines the enrollment process, allowing employees to navigate their options more efficiently and confidently.

What role do HSAs play in employee benefits?

Health Savings Accounts empower employees to save for healthcare expenses, especially as costs rise, offering tax benefits and financial flexibility.

How can employers improve employee confidence in healthcare selections?

Employers can enhance confidence by providing supportive tools, education on available options, and ongoing resources for decision-making.

What trends are emerging in voluntary benefits?

There is a growing trend toward enrolling in supplemental coverage and unique products like Spouse Whole Life insurance as employees seek comprehensive security.

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