One not-so-surprising outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic has been an increased focus—by both employees and employers—on health and financial wellness.

In the wake of The Great Resignation, employees report that benefits are an extremely important factor as they evaluate employers and decide whether to stay or go. And employers are responding with more benefit options, programs, and support. But people are still struggling to understand how to effectively choose and use their plans.

As employees continue to grapple with ongoing changes to their work and personal lives, the burden is on employers to help their employees make cost-effective plan—and care—choices for themselves and their families.

To understand how healthcare literacy levels have changed in the last year, Optavise surveyed 1,055 U.S. workers with employer-sponsored health plans who do not work in the insurance industry. Our survey found that employees still struggle with effectively choosing and using their healthcare plans, costing themselves—and their employers—more than necessary.