And there is widespread evidence that people have trouble understanding the subtleties of any plan. Many people liken the process of open enrollment and picking a plan to the pleasures of a root canal, said Shan Fowler, an executive at Benefitfocus. “The understanding of a P.P.O. versus high deductible is not good at all.” The … Continue Reading
Monthly Archives
October 2016
Employee Benefit Adviser: How the future of technology is shaping the benefits industry
According to Shan Fowler, senior director of product strategy at Benefitfocus, automation is not replacing the human touch, but the convenience of technology and mobile accessibility is requiring businesses offer electronic services on top of the face-to-face interactions. “When I think anecdotally, I think about banks and how if I need cash I will go … Continue Reading
Data and Transparency Aid in Shift to Outcome-Based Health Care
I was recently asked to join a panel on the current state of private exchanges and how consumer-oriented enrollment experiences can drive greater engagement with benefits throughout the year. Represented were a policy expert, a benefits advocate for some of the nation’s leading employers, an actuary and a technology nerd (me). As typically happens when … Continue Reading