News Archive

"[S]trategic investments in AI-powered support, enhanced planning tools, and improved security features are helping providers differentiate their digital experiences."  MORE >>

14 pages. "The AI in HR benefits ecosystem includes developers, deployers, HR professionals, and compliance experts, all of whom impact how AI tools are built and used responsibly. The report distills AI-driven HR benefits use cases into a three-factor framework -- each functioning as a dial, adjustable to the specific application and context. [1] Core Employee Lifecycle Stages ('when'); [2] Key Benefit Categories ('what'); [3] Users and Roles ('who')."  MORE >>

"Benefits teams hold the keys to many digital health innovations, and they are uniquely positioned to help employees access faster care, more convenient provider visits, and the latest apps, all while keeping affordability in mind.... [1] AI tools for talk therapy and mental health.... [2] GLP-1 access and affordability.... [3] Telemedicine expansion."  MORE >>

"DataDasher Inc. CEO Alexander Kearns claims financial advisers can save as many as 10 to 15 hours per week when AI is implemented in daily workflows with responsibilities such as pre-meeting briefs, follow-up communication and on-demand portfolio context."  MORE >>

"In looking toward 2026, there is no shortage of developments that employers and their partners will face.... [E]ach trend includes critical action steps to help employers proactively address trends on the horizon.... [1] The challenging cost environment ... [2] Disruption becomes essential ... [3] A sharpened focus on fundamentals ... [4] Rewriting the pharmacy benefits playbook ... [5] Raising the bar on vendor partnerships ... [6] The drive to innovate ... [7] The rapid adoption of AI ... [8] Policy changes ahead will impact the employer role."  MORE >>

"AI can improve benefits communication by translating and simplifying content ... AI can use a combination of plan data and member input to help members choose health plans ... AI can help benefit plans become more targeted in meeting a plan member's needs ... Plan sponsors can use AI to gain better oversight of their plans ... AI's ability to sift through large amounts of data quickly is an important tool for detecting fraud, waste and abuse ... AI without appropriate oversight becomes a liability factor[.]"  MORE >>

"Benefit plans operate in a world where every rule matters, every exception counts and every decision touches someone’s livelihood. ... [F]ull automation isn’t achievable today with the tools currently on the market. And even if it were, it might not be the right move. The smarter, and safer path forward is to use AI as a collaborator, not a replacement."  MORE >>

"[P]lan sponsors reported a near equal focus on financial wellness for participants (39%) ... ensuring regulatory compliance (37%) and reducing costs (36%) in their plan.... 44% [state] that AI will have the greatest impact on the success of their plan over the next three- to five-year period.... 29% reported they are currently using or considering a MEP or PEP specifically as a way to lower plan costs.... 67% of plan sponsors said they are considering switching to a MEP or PEP or may consider it in the future. "  MORE >>

"Enhancing operational efficiency, strengthening compliance and risk functions, and staying competitive with peers are leading reasons in-house counsel cited as primary motivations to implement Al."  MORE >>

"AI is being used to streamline tasks such as verifying eligibility, adjudicating claims, and reconciling payroll. Service providers are deploying systems that can detect anomalies in claims data and tailor outreach based on participant demographics and financial needs.... Errors, such as misclassified procedures or misallocated funds, can occur, and accountability ultimately rests with the plan fiduciary, regardless of the technology involved.... Vendor relationships should be structured to allow for ongoing monitoring and documentation of AI-driven decisions."  MORE >>

"Fiduciaries cannot outsource prudence. ... If anything, relying on these tools raises the stakes for 401k plan fiduciaries. The potential for biased outcomes, opaque algorithms, and data privacy breaches now sits squarely within the plan sponsor’s oversight responsibility. ... With AI advice tools embedded in recordkeeping and advice platforms, what due diligence steps must fiduciaries take to evaluate transparency, mitigate bias, and stay compliant under ERISA?"  MORE >>

"TPAs will have to decide whether to buy, build, or outsource their AI technology.... [T]he speed at which AI enhancements are coming to market may sway the calculus for many TPAs.... Traditional TPAs that underinvested in technology because there wasn't an overriding demand now realize they must embrace automation tools, platforms and systems or be left behind."  MORE >>

"Plan Sponsors: Start with simple, broadly appealing features like retirement income estimation and financial goal tracking before introducing more complex tools. Positioning AI as a complement to human advisors can reinforce that AI use increases -- not replaces -- engagement with financial professionals."  MORE >>

"AI-enabled tools promise improved efficiency, cost savings, better clinical outcomes, and streamlined administrative processes. Yet, their adoption in group health plans raises complex regulatory, fiduciary, and ethical questions, particularly under [ERISA] ... [I]ssues that require immediate attention by plan sponsors and plan administrators alike: claims adjudication, fiduciary oversight, and vendor contracts."  MORE >>

"AI tech itself isn't the end goal -- better outcomes are. And AI is only one tool ... High-tech has to meet up with high-touch.... Personalization must be redefined to meet people 'in the moment.' ... Remove friction from the benefits experience."  MORE >>

"[C]overed insurers should begin preparing now to meet the new governance, risk management, and reporting requirements: ... [1] Compare existing governance and risk management frameworks against the Amended Regulation's requirements ... [2] Ensure directors and senior executives are prepared to oversee ECDIS and Model use ... [3] Monitor forthcoming guidance ... on testing requirements and evaluate whether current internal testing practices can be adapted to satisfy Division standards."  MORE >>

"Though many of the solutions are geared toward individual investors, they can work for retirement plan participants. Even so, personalized retirement planning powered by AI is in its infancy, and plan sponsors are hardly early adopters of the shiny new tool. But the possibility of tailoring strategies to individual needs -- income, expenses, risk tolerance and long-term goals -- while keeping planning simple and accessible is becoming an increasingly feasible solution."  MORE >>

"As AI models improve, they will get better at replacing the 'human connection' that advisors bring to the table. The good news for advisors is that AI has a hard time establishing a high degree of trust."  MORE >>

"[Advisors] don't see AI as a threat. Rather, they view it as an extension of the tech innovation that's been going on for decades; it can be used for certain tasks ... to make them more efficient and create more capacity.... AI will not be able to replicate the human connection advisors have with their clients."  MORE >>

"While most Americans want a person to lead the planning process, younger generations increasingly expect that person to be tech-savvy.... 54% of both Gen Z and Millennials prefer to work with a financial advisor who uses AI as a tool -- not to replace human judgment, but to enhance it. Compare that to just 36% of Boomers+ who feel the same."  MORE >>

"While use of artificial intelligence in the administration of health insurance continues to be controversial, even litigious, UnitedHealth Group is banking on AI to help restore its financial house.... Optum rolled out a new AI-powered revenue cycle management solution in May 2025 ... Core RCM functions include things like clinical documentation review, medical coding, and billing -- all within a unified interface."  MORE >>

"[T]echnology [is available] to record and transcribe our meetings, ... but there are associated risks, starting with whether you really want all of your clients' meetings to be recorded and available to be included as an exhibit in future litigation or disclosed to a regulatory agency.... [E]nsure you understand which tools your firm allows you to leverage and which information will be kept forever.... [D]epending on the AI tool or capability, many of these tools are publicly available. If you add your client's non-public personal information and hit 'summarize for me,' that may be a violation of the confidentiality provisions of the agreement with the plan sponsor or the participant. "  MORE >>

" 'Private equity appears safer and more diversifying than it really is because it controls its own marks. This undermines the integrity of asset allocation models and can lead to over-allocation, particularly in pensions, endowments, and TDFs,' the A.I. companion opines."  MORE >>

"[T]he SEC's marketing rule was the top compliance concern for three years in a row, but it was overtaken last year by concerns about off-channel communications. This year's results ... underscore a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape, with AI, anti-money laundering (AML), and cybersecurity emerging as the top three 'hot' compliance topics. These areas ... align closely with the SEC's exam, enforcement, and rulemaking priorities."  MORE >>

"AI technologies are already being integrated into various aspects of Plan management and operations. Fiduciaries should understand how these technologies can benefit participants and beneficiaries -- and how to mitigate associated risks.... Recommended action items include: [2] Integrate AI risk management into the Plan's overall governance strategy. [2] Evaluate and document how AI tools impact investment selection, recordkeeping, and participant advice. [3] Review and revise service provider contracts to include AI-specific clauses. [4] Conduct initial and periodic due diligence on vendors, involving technical experts as needed."  MORE >>