Medicare at 60 Years Old: Eight in 10 Americans Not Yet Enrolled Worry the Program Won't be There for Them

Rhea-AI Summary

eHealth (NASDAQ:EHTH) and Retirable have released a comprehensive survey revealing significant concerns about Medicare and Social Security as these programs approach milestone anniversaries. The study of over 1,000 Americans shows that 80% of future beneficiaries worry about both programs' availability, with Millennials being the most concerned.

Key findings reveal that 76% of respondents underestimate retirement healthcare costs, with 40% expecting to spend $100,000 or less, despite actual estimates approaching $200,000. The survey also found that 78% view Medicare positively, yet 81% worry about retirement healthcare costs. Regarding Social Security, only 20% correctly identified the 10-year work requirement for qualification, and just 17% accurately estimated the average monthly payment of $2,000.

Positive

• Survey reveals 78% of Americans have a positive view of Medicare
• 73% of respondents maintain a positive view of Social Security despite concerns
• Research provides valuable insights into public perception of major healthcare and retirement programs

Negative

• 80% of future Medicare beneficiaries worry the program won't be available for them
• 76% of respondents underestimate or don't know average retirement healthcare costs
• Only 24% are willing to increase payroll taxes to ensure Medicare's survival
• Significant misconceptions exist about Social Security requirements and benefits

News Market Reaction

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-0.48% News Effect

On the day this news was published, EHTH declined 0.48%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

As Medicare turns 60 on July 30^th and Social Security hits 90 on Aug. 14, 80% of Americans not yet enrolled worry these programs won't be there for them

New survey of over 1,000 Americans shows that 76% underestimate average healthcare costs in retirement

AUSTIN, Texas, July 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- eHealth, Inc. (Nasdaq: EHTH), a leading online private health insurance marketplace, and Retirable today released new original research showing most Americans are worried about the long-term health of both Medicare and Social Security. With milestone birthdays for these social safety net programs approaching, the survey of over 1,000 Americans found the following: 

On Medicare and healthcare 

• 80% of people not yet enrolled in Medicare worry it won't be there for them, with members of the Millennial generation the most pessimistic. 

• 76% of all respondents underestimate or don't know the average cost of healthcare in retirement. Over one third (40%) expect to spend $100,000 or less, but current estimates show the average retiree will have nearly $200,000 in costs. 

• 34% are unwilling to raise taxes or reduce benefits to ensure Medicare's survival for future generations; 30% are willing to reduce benefits for current Medicare beneficiaries to achieve that goal; and 24% are willing to increase payroll taxes. 

• 78% have a positive view of Medicare, but 81% still worry about retirement healthcare costs. 

On Social Security 

• 80% of those not yet enrolled in Social Security worry it won't be there for them, with Baby Boomers the least concerned (68%) and Millennials the most (85%). 

• 28% of Americans underestimate how long people need to work to qualify for Social Security; 26% overestimate the number of years necessary; and 26% don't know. The correct length (10 years) was selected by 20% of respondents. 

• 47% of Americans underestimate the average monthly Social Security payment, while 35% overestimate it. The correct amount (about $2,000) was selected by 17% of respondents. 

• 54% of all respondents think Social Security will remain solvent longer than current predictions (2033) or don't know when it may become insolvent. Conversely, 17% expect the program to remain solvent through 2050 or longer. 

• 73% have a positive view of Social Security. 

"Medicare and Social Security have served as vital social safety net programs for decades, but our survey shows millions of Americans are concerned about the long-term sustainability of each," said Fran Soistman, CEO of eHealth. "At the same time, many people have misperceptions or lack the information necessary to maximize the value of these programs, which can harm their financial well-being or quality of life." 

Mr. Soistman added, "To mark the upcoming birthdays of Medicare and Social Security, we fielded this survey to highlight the important connection between personal healthcare and financial well-being, and to encourage all Americans to make more informed decisions when it comes to Medicare and their retirement planning."

"Whether you're approaching retirement or already retired, it's important to have realistic expectations about your future healthcare costs," said Tyler End, Co-Founder and CEO of Retirable, the retirement platform built for everyday Americans offering the ongoing care of an advisor and services across retirement investing, planning and spending. "Just as a licensed health insurance agent helps optimize coverage to your needs and budget, a retirement-focused financial planner offers personalized guidance to grant you peace of mind for your future."

Read the full report. 

About the survey 
eHealth and Retirable's findings are based on a June 2025 general population survey of American adults conducted through a national survey vendor. A total of 1,111 responses were collected, with a margin of error of plus or minus 3%. 

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. Consumers can visit our health insurance marketplace at eHealth.com, or call us to speak with a licensed insurance agent at 1-800-EHEALTH (1-800-343-2584), TTY 711. 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, 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  

About Retirable 
Retirable, the retirement peace of mind platform, offers products and services across the retirement investing, planning, spending and protecting spectrum. Retirable was founded by industry veterans to empower a worry-free retirement for everyone. By opening access to financial guidance for retirement, Retirable gives its clients greater confidence and control when they need it most. Headquartered in NYC and founded in 2019 by Tyler End, CFP® and Ian Yamey, Retirable is backed by Primary, Diagram, Vestigo Ventures, Portage and Primetime Partners. 

For more information about Retirable, please visit www.retirable.com. 

Retirable media inquiries: press@retirable.com 

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SOURCE eHealth, Inc.

FAQ

What percentage of Americans are worried about Medicare's future availability according to eHealth's 2025 survey?

80% of Americans not yet enrolled in Medicare worry the program won't be there for them, with Millennials showing the highest level of concern.

How much do Americans underestimate healthcare costs in retirement according to the EHTH study?

The study shows 76% of respondents underestimate retirement healthcare costs, with 40% expecting to spend $100,000 or less, while actual estimates approach $200,000.

What percentage of Americans correctly understand Social Security's work requirements in 2025?

Only 20% of respondents correctly identified that 10 years of work are required to qualify for Social Security benefits.

How many Americans support increasing payroll taxes to ensure Medicare's survival?

Only 24% of respondents are willing to increase payroll taxes to ensure Medicare's survival for future generations.

What is the current public perception of Medicare and Social Security programs in 2025?

The survey shows that 78% have a positive view of Medicare and 73% view Social Security positively, despite concerns about the programs' long-term sustainability.