Dive Brief:
- Several years of survey data show employees are increasingly going online to enroll in their benefits, according to the 2015 Aflac WorkForces Report Open Enrollment Survey. Sixty-two percent of employees in 2015 say they enrolled in their benefits online, up from 46% in 2011.
- Employees also say they expect to use more decision-making tools during open enrollment this year because they are more responsible for their health care costs than in years past and, perhaps, because many do not understand the details of their health insurance policies.
- Small businesses with fewer than 100 employees are more likely to say “face to face” enrollment methods are most effective for their employees. Employees from the silent generation (those who are 69 and older) appear to be adapting online enrollment methods, but at a slower rate than younger generations.
Dive Insight:
Most employees (89%) at least "somewhat agree" that because they’re increasingly responsible for more of their health care costs, they have higher expectations of their health insurance and benefits selection/enrollment experience. They also expect more decision-making tools and support (89% at least somewhat agree) because they are more responsible for their health care costs than in years past.
With open enrollment taking place within the next few months, employers might want to ensure their enrollment stategy meets worker needs. Most of all, the survey found that employers can help their employees by providing benefits enrollment tools and resources, but it’s also important they choose the right resources. The survey reports that many employers aren’t offering the resources and tools that their employees find most valuable, including interactive online tools and a summary of the employee’s previous medical claims and expenses.
