CNO Financial introduces employee benefits brand

Carmel-based CNO Financial Group (NYSE: CNO) is introducing a new brand for its worksite offerings. CNO says Optavise provides employee benefits solutions and unifies three of its existing worksite brands into one go-to market brand.

CNO says the brands being merged together into Optavise include PMA Worksite Marketing Division’s career agent network, benefits education and advocacy services provider DirectPath, and Web Benefits Design, which provides benefits administration technology.

“With the launch of the Optavise brand, CNO is taking the next strategic step in building our Worksite capabilities,” said Gary Bhojwani, chief executive officer. “Our acquisitions over the past three years enhanced the competitiveness and attractiveness of our Worksite business. By uniting our people, technology and products under a single go-to-market brand, we’ve created a comprehensive employee benefits solution that is unique in our market.”

CNO says Optavise operates on a national scale through a network of 10,000 broker partners and more than 600 agents. The brand currently serves nearly 20,000 businesses and employers.

“Employers of all sizes share the challenge of attracting and retaining talent and it’s not enough anymore to simply offer access to employee benefits,” said Michael Byers, president of worksite division. “With Optavise, we’re making benefits administration easier, guiding employees to make informed healthcare decisions, and reducing costs for employers and employees.”

The company says Optavise agents will continue to sell Washington National voluntary benefits and supplemental insurance products.

The branding change is expected to be complete by December 31.