Health benefits have long been one of the most appreciated perks of employment – and with good reason. Nothing is more important than one's health and that of one's family. But health care is expensive and confusing, often leaving employees frustrated and overwhelmed. Ensuring an employee and their family have access to quality, affordable health care, along with personalized guidance, is a critical component of attracting and retaining talent. Yet soaring health care costs, a once-in-a-century pandemic, and a growing recognition that employees need support with all aspects of wellbeing have brought employers, providers, and brokers to a tipping point.

The past two years have been fraught with challenges, mostly directly or indirectly related to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to the basics of needing to ensure the safety of employees – through transitions to remote work, when possible, and stringent COVID protocols for in-person workers – employers gained invaluable, often disheartening insights into the lives of their people. From the recognition of substantial disparities in health equity to the need for more mental health support, employers observed significant challenges that ultimately resulted in a new clarity and a reassessment of their benefits strategy.