More than two-thirds (70%) of employees chose to enroll for their 2003 benefits via the Internet, exactly the same percentage as last year, according to the Lincolnshire, Illinois-based consultant.   However, that is a dramatic increase from just 51% in 2001, and a mere 36% in 1999.

In 1999, Internet usage was a near-equal partner with sister enrollment mediums, interactive voice response (IVR) and call centers, which at the time were used by 30% and 34%, respectively.   However, the expanding use of the Internet has led to a sharp decline in the alternative mediums.   Just 8% used an IVR this past enrollment season, and only 23% used a call center for the 2003 enrollment season, according to Hewitt.

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The expanding use of the Internet is not just a participant phenomena, however.   Hewitt notes that the number of companies offering Web enrollment has increased by 36 percentage points since 2000, and has nearly tripled since 1999.   Roughly one-in-five companies that offered enrollment had more than 90% of their employees choose the medium.   And, of those firms offering Internet enrollment, nearly three-quarters (72%) don’t bother with paper confirmation statements.   

Hewitt’s data found that the vast majority, some 93%, of workers enrolling for benefits online were satisfied with the overall enrollment process, while:

• 95% were satisfied with the ease of enrolling and the time it required
• 80% felt they had access to all of the information necessary to enroll.

Additionally, Hewitt found that 26% of retirees used the Internet during enrollment.

Hewitt enrolled more than 9 million employees and their dependents on behalf of nearly 115 companies this past enrollment season, which typically takes place between late September and early December.