Mercer L.L.C. said it is launching a new health insurance exchange in which retired employees eligible for Medicare can choose from an array of different health care plans.

While the prevalence of employers offering coverage to Medicare-eligible retirees continues to decline, about one-third still do, according to Mercer.

Through an exchange, employers no longer directly offer coverage, relieving them of a significant administrative burden while giving retirees more benefit choices, Mercer notes.

In addition, the exchange, which Mercer is offering along with Connextions Inc., a technology solutions company, will provide assistance to retirees during enrollment periods and throughout the year.

Jerry Geisel writes for Business Insurance, a sister publication of Workforce Management. Comment below or email editors@workforce.com.

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