And the demand for online service goes far beyond enrollment. One-third or more of small employers say they won't select a carrier that doesn't offer online administration, and roughly another third say the availability of online services impacts their choice of carrier. Critical online services for small employers include services and tools that help them and their employees, especially the ability for employees to file claims online.

Claims and product set-up cause small employers the most administrative pain.

Getting voluntary products set up on their enrollment or benefits administration system is a source of administrative pain for a significant number of small employers, cited by a third of those with 10–49 employees and a quarter of those with 50–99 employees. However, claims-filing problems lead the list of administrative concerns for the larger segment, with 41% citing this issue, compared to only 20% of the smallest group. Billing issues have become less of a major issue for the smallest employers, according to the study, but they're still a concern for more than a third of employers in 50–99 category. In the better news category, only a small percentage of small employers say other technology problems cause administration issues.

Small-case brokers see a bright future for voluntary benefits

Ongoing uncertainty about inflation and its impact on employee wallet share casts a shadow on the sunny outlook for the voluntary industry. Small-case brokers surveyed for Eastbridge's 2024 "Rising Tide for Brokers in Voluntary Business" Spotlight™ Report mention inflation almost twice as often as any other issue. But despite their concerns about inflation, most of these brokers say employees and employers will continue to be enthusiastic about voluntary benefits in the future.

Instant Insights /

Small but mighty: the voluntary benefits case for small markets

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