Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-8) pertaining to the Benefitfocus, Inc. Second Amended and Restated 2012 Stock Plan of our reports dated February 26, 2019, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Benefitfocus, Inc. and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Benefitfocus, Inc. included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2018, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Raleigh, North Carolina

August 7, 2019