Market Insights

As medical and pharmacy expenses climb, large employers are adjusting plan design, limiting drug spending growth, and expanding targeted support like caregiving and financial wellness benefits.

"Retirement is meant to be enjoyed, but many find it difficult to give themselves permission to spend the savings they've worked so hard to build," said Terri Fiedler, the company's president of retirement services.

Artificial intelligence led all reasons for job cuts for the third month in a row, with 38,579 announced cuts.

Brokers and carriers looking to grow their blocks of business should consider broadening their target markets to take advantage of the significant potential at both ends of the voluntary/worksite industry.

The South leads among large and mid-sized metros, while smaller Western markets stand out for business density, talent and flexible work infrastructure.

This gap represents a growing risk for HR leaders who rely on self-attestation or course completion data to gauge workforce readiness.