New eHealth Research Finds Americans are Unhappy with the US Healthcare System and Open to New Ideas

Rhea-AI Summary

eHealth (NASDAQ: EHTH) has released new research revealing significant dissatisfaction with the US healthcare system, with 72% of Americans giving it a C grade or lower. The survey, conducted in February 2025 with over 1,000 respondents, highlights critical healthcare accessibility issues, with 46% of Americans having to choose between medical bills and basic necessities in the past decade.

The research indicates openness to healthcare reform, with 83% of respondents supporting customizable health plans that exclude unused benefits for cost savings. Additionally, 56% believe those with unhealthy lifestyles should pay higher insurance premiums. The study also reveals that 57% feel healthcare is over-regulated, and 66% support banning pharmaceutical company advertisements, a position aligned with newly appointed HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s proposal.

Positive

• Large-scale market research provides valuable consumer insights for potential business strategy alignment
• Strong public support (83%) for customizable health plans could present new business opportunities

Negative

• Survey reveals significant customer dissatisfaction with current healthcare system (72% giving C grade or lower)
• Research indicates potential regulatory changes that could affect business model

72% give the US healthcare system a C grade or lower; 57% say there's too much government regulation of healthcare

Most are willing to reconsider key provisions of the Affordable Care Act and 66% want to see a ban on drug company advertisements

AUSTIN, Texas, March 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As the Trump administration reconsiders the role and scope of the federal government, many Americans are ready to rethink the way healthcare works in the United States, according to new research from eHealth, Inc. (Nasdaq: EHTH), a leading online private health insurance marketplace.

"Our latest original research shows that more than seven in ten Americans (72%) give the US healthcare system a grade C or lower," said eHealth CEO Fran Soistman. "Within the past ten years, nearly half (46%) say they've had to choose between paying medical bills or paying for basic necessities. It's a sad commentary on the state of our healthcare system. In fact, a majority tell us that they are willing to reconsider key provisions of the 2010 Affordable Care Act (ACA), if it makes their coverage more affordable."

Contrary to current ACA rules:

• 83% say they should be able to pick a health plan that excludes benefits they don't believe they'll use, if it will save them money
• 56% say that people who maintain an unhealthy lifestyle should pay more for their health insurance

Mr. Soistman continued: "Newly appointed HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has proposed barring pharmaceutical companies from directly marketing to consumers, and our research shows most Americans agree with him. Two thirds (66%) tell us they would support a ban on drug advertisements, including a majority of both Democrat and Republican voters."

For more findings, read the full report.

eHealth's new original research is based on a survey of more than 1,000 respondents drawn from the general US population. The survey was conducted in February of 2025. For more methodology information, please refer to the full report.

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.  

Media inquiries: pr@ehealth.com 

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SOURCE eHealth, Inc.

FAQ

What percentage of Americans are dissatisfied with the US healthcare system according to eHealth's 2025 survey?

72% of Americans gave the US healthcare system a grade C or lower according to eHealth's February 2025 survey.

How many Americans had to choose between medical bills and basic necessities according to EHTH research?

46% of Americans reported having to choose between paying medical bills or basic necessities in the past decade.

What percentage of respondents support customizable health plans in eHealth's 2025 study?

83% of respondents support being able to choose health plans that exclude unused benefits to save money.

What is the public stance on pharmaceutical advertising according to eHealth's latest research?

66% of Americans, including both Democrat and Republican voters, support banning drug company advertisements.