Third annual research report reveals growing demand for digital tools, plan flexibility
and collaboration to drive industry innovation
MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. – Sept. 16, 2025 – SKYGEN today announced the release of its 2026 Pulse Report: Broker Perspectives, the third installment in its annual research series designed to advance industrywide dialogue and collective transformation. Building on previous years’ insights from consumers and providers, this year’s report draws from a nationwide sample of 500 brokers who sell dental and vision coverage, exploring their experiences, challenges and priorities. The findings reveal brokers’ evolving influence on dental and vision benefits, as well as significant opportunities for payers to strengthen these relationships.
“Our Pulse Report series amplifies perspectives from across the benefits ecosystem, reinforcing SKYGEN’s commitment to helping the industry move forward together,” said John Schaak, Chief Innovation and Growth Officer. “This year’s research highlights broker’s central role in benefits design and delivery, bringing our Pulse Report series full circle by equipping stakeholders with actionable strategies to improve outcomes for members.”
Findings from the report identify several key themes shaping the broker-carrier relationship.
Digital Enablement Earns Loyalty
Brokers make it clear that their loyalty is not automatic but earned through value. Digital enablement is a decisive factor, with 90% of dental brokers and 92% of vision brokers citing it as an important part of the carrier offering. Items at the top of their list for digital innovation include predictive analytics, real-time quoting and network insights.
The bottom line is that carriers must adjust their offerings to align with employee demands for personalized benefits and employer demands for more seamless customer experiences, with one respondent noting: “A centralized digital portal can make managing group dental enrollments faster and easier for employers.”
Brokers Will Switch Carriers for the Right Reasons
92% of dental and 91% of vision brokers say stronger provider networks are a top reason for switching to new carriers. However, when evaluating new carrier options, brokers prioritize tangible business value and solutions that streamline operations, improve outcomes and enhance experiences. As a result, carriers must deliver solutions that not only offer breadth and depth, but also enable flexibility, network strength and centralized access to information—critical capabilities for optimizing operations.
Cost and Customization Drive Plan Design Decisions
When asked what drives plan selections, brokers report that they are nearly evenly split between cost savings and customizability. Carriers that offer personalized plan designs, transparent pricing and flexibility are best positioned to stand out. Additionally, when asked how and where they actively vet carriers as part of this selection process, 74% of dental brokers and 76% of vision brokers rely on benefits administration platform data and insights.
The 2026 Pulse Report reinforces that brokers are strategic partners shaping the benefits experience for employers and employees alike. Brokers want carriers to evolve beyond product providers into true strategic partners. Those who embrace this shift will earn trust, strengthen loyalty and be well-positioned to lead the next era of benefits delivery.
Commissioned in coordination with Hanover Research, the 2026 Pulse Report: Broker Perspectives identifies opportunities for more effective collaboration between brokers and payers that will provide members with greater access to improved care experiences. To download and view the full report, please visit: https://www.skygenusa.com/knowledge/white-paper/2026-pulse-report-broker-perspectives
About SKYGEN 2026 Pulse Report: Broker Perspectives
SKYGEN developed this report in coordination with Hanover Research. The survey was designed to explore the perceptions of brokers who sell dental and vision insurance, with the goal of identifying opportunities for more effective collaboration between brokers and carriers. The survey was conducted online, and respondents were recruited via a panel. The analysis includes a total of 500 broker respondents all of whom work full-time in the U.S. and actively sell or influence the sale of dental and/or vision coverage, including fully insured and self-funded plans. Hanover Research performed statistical analysis with a 95% confidence level using z-tests, with a p-value of less than 0.05, and a margin of error of ±1% for the overall sample.
About SKYGEN
SKYGEN transforms dental and vision benefits management and administration with flexible technology and services that connect and change lives for the better. Through partnerships with payers, providers and government agencies, SKYGEN helps its customers navigate dental and vision benefits management and administration. With its portfolio of third-party administration (TPA), intelligent Software as a Service (SaaS) automation, marketplace connectivity, risk management solutions and above-and-beyond services like Enhanced Benefit Management (EBM), Provider Select Suite platforms, mobile apps and portals, SKYGEN serves nearly 50 million members across all 50 states, more than 40 government and commercial insurers and processes 3 million claims monthly. For more information, please visit www.skygenusa.com.
