Digital decision assistance can help boost smart benefit choices
Isn’t it a relief on those occasions when you’re shopping and feeling overwhelmed by all the choices and a “friendly face” arrives and says: “How can I help you?”
Similarly, making employee benefits decisions can be confusing without assistance. In fact, a survey found that more than one‐third of workers don’t understand the benefits they selected during enrollment,1 making it clear that decision support is essential. And with employers in the US typically offering a range of benefits during open enrollment, with an average of 13 benefits offered per employer,2 it’s not surprising that people are overwhelmed.
Digital decision assistance, particularly the use of artificial intelligence (AI) that allows for the use of personal factors to create tailored recommendations, is today’s must‐have solution. In addition to supporting a positive enrollment experience, innovative digital resources help employees understand the value and cost of their benefits, building appreciation and potentially increasing participation.
Securian Financial’s Benefit Scout® is our digital “friendly face” that leverages artificial intelligence to provide interactive guidance throughout the benefits decision‐making process.
The Benefit Scout experience includes:
- Individualized benefit recommendations based on personal factors and unique needs
- Map a Payout patented feature lets employees build claim scenarios to see potential payouts
- Coverage Connector™ illustrates how accident and critical illness insurance complements employer‐offered disability and medical coverages
- Personal assistance available by phone or online chat when only one‐on‐one support will do
The pandemic generated greater employee consideration of their benefit options. Powerful decision‐making tools can help reduce confusion and support good decisions, in turn nurturing loyalty and satisfaction. And for employers, employee access to personalized, easy‐to‐use decision assistance means fewer questions and time savings for stretched human resources teams.