‘Benefit burnout’ and health insurance ‘planxiety’ send young workers to AI for HR answers

It’s open enrollment season again—that period between October and November when workers must reacquaint themselves with “deductibles,” “copays,” and “premiums.” Many would rather wait at the DMV, sit through a three-hour work meeting, or attempt to explain social media to tech-challeged loved ones than spend their afternoon selecting an insurance plan. 

That’s why some workers are farming out everything on their health insurance to-do list to AI and social media.

New research from HR tech company Justworks and The Harris Poll shows we’re entering the era of “benefit burnout”: Many people are not doing their own research on what plans are best for them, and instead of consulting HR, they’re outsourcing their decisions to artificial intelligence or crowdsourcing on TikTok.

Some are simply hitting “renew” to avoid the stress altogether, potentially costing themselves and their employers in the long run.

It’s a precarious time to be doing that, and with rising premiums, open enrollment is set to be more stressful than ever. According to a study by health policy research and polling firm KFF, the amount health insurers charge for coverage on the ACA marketplaces is rising by an average of 26% in 2026. 

Justworks’ Benefit Blindspots Report, released earlier this month, found that 62% of zillennials (Gen Z and millennials) would entrust AI to help them decode benefits or compare plan options rather than try to figure it out themselves. That’s compared with just 29% of Gen Xers and boomers. 

It’s not just AI. Gen Zers are also more likely to use TikTok, Instagram, or Reddit for research than to ask their employer or HR department for help. 

It doesn’t always pay off: Nearly half forget or regret what plan they picked, according to the Justworks data, and 22% simply reenroll in last year’s plan rather than shop around. 

“Healthcare is one of your biggest annual expenses, right after rent, yet 22% of people simply reenroll in last year’s plan without looking at the details,” David Feinberg, SVP of risk and insurance at Justworks, told Fast Company. “Take the time to review how your needs have changed—such as new prescriptions, dependents, or health goals—before you simply reenroll in last year’s plan.”

The more expensive the plan is doesn’t always mean it’s better, either. “I see so many people default to the most expensive plan they can afford, assuming it’s the safest bet. In reality, the right choice depends on your actual health needs and risk tolerance,” Feinberg said. “A high-deductible plan paired with an HSA can provide you with savings for healthcare needs in the long term.”

Gen Zers and millennials are also leaving money on the table when it comes to flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs). While 30% of zillennials have an FSA or HSA, only about 1 in 5 (19%) use one and understand the benefits of it, according to the Justworks data. 

“Tax-advantaged accounts are one of the most underused benefits out there. You can use them for everyday needs like contact lenses or therapy apps, and if you invest your HSA early, it can grow tax-free for decades,” Feinberg said. “It’s one of the easiest ways to build long-term financial wellness through your benefits.”

That’s where employers can step in, rather than leaving AI to fill the knowledge gap. 

“Employers who meet Gen Z where they are—with digital tools, plain language, and proactive support—will help close the confidence gap driving so much ‘planxiety,’” he added.

Luckily, some firms are already rolling out AI chatbots to answer staff’s HR questions—a more solid alternative, perhaps, for workers who’d boot up ChatGPT for tips instead.

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