Commentary

Decision support tools have helped, and now there's more focus on how AI-driven recommendation capabilities can build on that.

That change could create new ways for plan employers to get into trouble.

The same kinds of tools that caused the crisis have the power to end it.

Workers need to understand what coverage options will mean for their children.

The key in 2026 is to take a strategic, data-driven approach to employee benefits, designing programs that are both affordable and personalized to support employees and also attracting and retaining talent.

Lawmakers are increasingly scrutinizing employers' use of AI and automated decision tools to set or influence employee compensation, with the stated aim of curbing potentially discriminatory impacts resulting from the use of algorithmic wage setting and increasing transparency to employees and applicants regarding the use of such technology.