Mercer's Nuzum cites consultant capabilities, firms' strong client bases as motivating the move.

If the past is at all telling, further consolidation in the health care industry may portend serious issues regarding health care costs and the quality of health care in the future.

“We are jointly committed to removing barriers for the adoption of technologies for health care interoperability," the companies said in a joint statement.

A fair amount of workers say they feel stressed, confused or anxious when enrolling in their benefits.