SmartConnect and Benepicks Target Medicare Transition Gap in ICHRA Plans

The partnership addresses a structural failure in many existing ICHRA platforms, which are often optimized for individual Marketplace insurance rather than the complex needs of employees turning 65. Previously, this gap forced workers to manage their own healthcare transitions, leading to potential coverage errors and increased administrative burdens for employers. With this integration, employees gain access to licensed agents who provide personalized consultations regarding prescriptions, doctor networks, and financial goals.

"Handing a 65-year-old a stack of Medicare mail and a deadline is a poor way to thank someone for twenty years of work," said Andrew Lydens, CEO of Benepicks. Beyond the service component, the financial impact for organizations is significant, with recent data suggesting an average 15% reduction in healthcare spending. By utilizing tax-free ICHRA allowances to cover Medicare premiums, employees often secure lower deductibles and more comprehensive coverage. Michael Celi, General Manager and SVP of SmartConnect, noted that the collaboration seeks to optimize benefits strategies while providing long-term policy advocacy for the aging workforce. The joint effort is now available to enterprise leaders and benefits brokers looking to streamline complex health reimbursement logistics.