eHealth Research Highlights Graduation Season Education Gap: 80% Don't Know Where to Start When It Comes to Health Insurance

Rhea-AI Summary

eHealth (NASDAQ: EHTH) released a nationwide survey revealing significant knowledge gaps about health insurance among young adults aged 18-25. The study shows that 80% of young adults don't know how to start finding health coverage, while 79% consider health benefits a top priority when job hunting. Key findings include: 57% had poor understanding of coverage options after graduation, 54% were unaware they could remain on parent's health plans until age 26, and only 5% knew about potential subsidies for those earning up to $60,000 annually. CEO Fran Soistman emphasized the importance of understanding various coverage options beyond employer plans, particularly given the competitive job market. eHealth has published guidance for graduates exploring different insurance options.

Positive

• High percentage (79%) of young adults prioritize health benefits in job selection, showing awareness of its importance
• Company provides educational resources and guidance for graduates exploring insurance options

Negative

• Significant knowledge gap with 80% of young adults not knowing how to find health coverage
• Low awareness (5%) about available subsidies for individual coverage
• Majority (57%) have poor understanding of coverage options upon graduation

Most young adults have a limited understanding of their coverage options, despite 79% saying access to health benefits is a high priority when evaluating a potential job

Many young adults don't know they may be able to stay on their parent's health plan until age 26, while only 5% know they can earn up to $60,000 per year and still qualify for subsidies for individual coverage

AUSTIN, Texas, May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With record numbers of high school and college students graduating this year, many lack a comprehensive understanding of their health insurance options, according to new research published today by eHealth, Inc. (Nasdaq: EHTH), a leading private online health insurance marketplace.

In a nationwide representative survey of 500 young adults ages 18 to 25:

• 80% say they wouldn't know where to start if they had to find health coverage on their own.
• 79% say health benefits are a high priority when considering job options.
• 57% admit they had a poor understanding of their coverage options upon graduation.¹

The survey also uncovered a lack of familiarity with the rules governing how long young adults are allowed to stay on a parent's health insurance plan, and the financial assistance available to them if they want to enroll in their own individual plan:

• 54% did not realize they could stay on a parent's health plan until age 26.
• 5% knew they could earn up to about $60,000 per year and still potentially qualify for subsidies under the Affordable Care Act that could substantially reduce their coverage costs.

Read the full report.

"Millions of young adults are entering the workforce for the first time, and many of them have questions about their health insurance options. In fact, 80% of young people say they wouldn't know where to start if they had to shop for health insurance on their own," said Fran Soistman, CEO, eHealth. "Given the competitive job market, it is important for young adults and their families to understand coverage options beyond those through an employer, such as taking advantage of subsidies, if eligible, to help make an individual plan more affordable."

For young adults and their families who want to make more informed coverage choices before or after graduation, eHealth has published an article with tips for those staying on a parent's health plan, enrolling through an employer plan, or shopping the individual market.

About eHealth (NASDAQ: EHTH)
We're Matchmakers. For over 25 years, eHealth has helped millions of Americans find the healthcare coverage that fits their needs at a price they can afford. As a leading independent licensed insurance agency and advisor, eHealth offers access to over 180 health insurers, including national and regional companies.

For more information about eHealth, visit ehealth.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Open positions can be found on our career page.

eHealth media inquiries: pr@ehealth.com

¹ Findings are based on a survey of 500 Americans aged 18 to 25 years old; the survey was conducted through a third-party survey vendor in May 2025 and had a probability sampling error of +/-4%.

 

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SOURCE eHealth, Inc.

FAQ

What percentage of young adults don't know how to find health insurance according to eHealth's (EHTH) survey?

According to eHealth's survey, 80% of young adults wouldn't know where to start if they had to find health coverage on their own.

How many young adults know they can qualify for health insurance subsidies while earning up to $60,000?

Only 5% of young adults surveyed knew they could earn up to $60,000 per year and still potentially qualify for subsidies under the Affordable Care Act.

What percentage of young adults prioritize health benefits when looking for jobs according to eHealth's study?

79% of young adults say health benefits are a high priority when considering job options.

How long can young adults stay on their parent's health insurance plan?

Young adults can stay on their parent's health insurance plan until age 26, though 54% of those surveyed were unaware of this option.

What percentage of graduates have a poor understanding of their health coverage options according to eHealth?

57% of graduates admit they had a poor understanding of their coverage options upon graduation.