HR/benefits consulting firm Mercer announced Thursday the launch of a private benefits exchange developed by Benefitfocus, available to employers with at least 100 employees.
In the exchange — which uses cloud-based technology developed by Benefitfocus — employers will be able to determine how much to contribute toward the cost of their benefits program.
In launching this exchange, Mercer joins other companies large and small building their own health care exchanges, a key element of President Obama’s health care reform legislation. In July 2012, the employee benefit consulting arm of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. launched a private insurance exchange platform in partnership with Liazon Corp., that included health, dental, vision, life and disability coverage, among other benefits, from various national and regional insurance providers. Aon Hewitt also launched an exchange last year.
According to Mercer, 56% of employees are considering a private exchange to provide benefits to their active employees or retirees.
EBA Managing Editor Brian M. Kalish contributed to this report.
