Record Digital Engagement Drives 2024 Healthcare Open Enrollment as Employees Express Increased Interest in Voluntary Benefits

By Business Wire On Dec 10, 2024

– Alight’s 2024 annual enrollment analysis shows nearly 96% of employees enrolled in benefits through digital channels, with mobile app usage increasing by 69% compared to the 2023 annual enrollment period

– Alight’s 2024 annual enrollment analysis underscores the value of employer-backed benefits and the need for tailored strategies to support a diverse workforce

a leading cloud-based human capital and technology-enabled services provider, today released insights gathered from an analysis of over 10 million individuals who used the Alight Worklife platform during its recently concluded annual healthcare open enrollment period.

This analysis revealed significant shifts in employee preferences during annual enrollment, highlighting increasing reliance on digital tools to complete their enrollment, rising contributions to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and growing interest in voluntary benefits. Key findings from this year’s annual enrollment period include:

Digital engagement dominates: Nearly 96% of users enrolled in benefits through digital channels, with mobile app usage increasing by 69% compared to 2023.
Steady enrollment in employer-sponsored plans: 74% of users elected coverage in an employer-sponsored plan. Preferred provider organizations (PPOs) led elections at 40%, followed by high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) at 36%.
Growing HSA contributions: 72% of eligible users enrolled in HSAs, continuing a steady year-over-year increase. In 2023, more than 60% of employees chose to contribute to their HSA, with a majority also benefiting from employer contributions.
Rising interest in voluntary benefits: Enrollment in supplemental health coverage increased to 33%, up from 31% in 2023, and Spouse Whole Life coverage saw a notable five-point increase compared to 2023.

Key annual enrollment insights for employers

These trends underscore a critical opportunity for employers to evolve their benefits strategies. A technology-first approach to benefits enrollment, paired with personalized guidance, helps meet the diverse needs of today’s workforce. Key considerations for employers include:

Employees seek tools to boost confidence: Despite robust digital engagement, fewer than two-thirds of employees reported feeling confident in their 2023 health plan elections, according to Alight’s 2024 International Workforce and Wellbeing Mindset Study. Tools like health savings calculators and plan comparisons paired with expert guidance significantly improve decision-making confidence.
Flexible benefits for a diverse workforce: Offering diverse voluntary benefits allows employers to address the unique needs of an evolving workforce, enhancing the overall employee experience.
Employees seek guidance in benefit navigation: While HDHPs and PPOs maintain popularity, employers should continue providing education to ensure employees select plans that align with their health and financial needs. As well, employers can drive even greater adoption by offering matching contributions and promoting the financial and tax benefits of HSAs, particularly as employees seek ways to manage healthcare costs.

“This year’s open enrollment results exemplify the powerful benefits of combining a technology-driven enrollment experience with personalized support,” said Karen Frost, Vice President, Go-to-Market Strategy for Health at Alight. “With today’s workforce becoming increasingly diverse, it’s evident that employers must move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach. Additionally, open enrollment should be the start of many ongoing touchpoints throughout the year, helping employers implement effective strategies and better support their employees’ overall wellbeing.”

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