Open Enrollment Recap: Americans Who Comparison Shopped Medicare Advantage for 2026 Potentially Saved an Average of Over $1,600 Per Year

Rhea-AI Summary

eHealth (Nasdaq: EHTH) found Medicare Advantage beneficiaries who compared 2025 coverage to 2026 plans potentially saved an average of $1,676 per year in out-of-pocket costs. The analysis covers premiums, deductibles, and prescription costs during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (Jan 1–Mar 31, 2026).

Additional findings: 88% of selected 2026 Advantage plans had a $0 monthly premium, average monthly premium fell to $4 from $5, and average out-of-pocket maximum rose to $6,153 for 2026 plans. The company also reported higher enrollment conversion with its AI voice agent.

Positive

• Average potential savings of $1,676 per enrollee per year
• Average monthly premium declined from $5 to $4 (2025→2026)
• 88% of selected 2026 Medicare Advantage plans had a $0 monthly premium
• AI voice agent enrollment conversion higher (24.8% vs. 22.3%)

Negative

• Average out-of-pocket maximum rose 7% to $6,153 for 2026 plans
• Survey found 48% of Medicare Advantage enrollees unaware of Open Enrollment Period

News Market Reaction – EHTH

-8.89%

24 alerts

-8.89% News Effect

+3.2% Peak Tracked

-10.1% Trough Tracked

-$5M Valuation Impact

$54.76M Market Cap

0.9x Rel. Volume

On the day this news was published, EHTH declined 8.89%, reflecting a notable negative market reaction. Argus tracked a peak move of +3.2% during that session. Argus tracked a trough of -10.1% from its starting point during tracking. Our momentum scanner triggered 24 alerts that day, indicating elevated trading interest and price volatility. This price movement removed approximately $5M from the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $54.76M at that time.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

Average annual savings: $1,676 per year Medicare Advantage enrollees: 34 million Unaware of enrollment period: 48% +5 more

8 metrics

Average annual savings $1,676 per year Potential out-of-pocket savings for Medicare Advantage shoppers comparing 2025 vs 2026 plans

Medicare Advantage enrollees 34 million Americans with Medicare Advantage plans eligible to change coverage

Unaware of enrollment period 48% Medicare Advantage enrollees unaware of the Open Enrollment Period

$0 premium share 88% Medicare Advantage plans selected for 2026 with a $0 monthly premium

Average 2026 premium $4 per month Average monthly premium for 2026 Medicare Advantage plans (vs $5 in 2025)

Out-of-pocket max increase 7% Increase in average out-of-pocket maximum from $5,749 (2025) to $6,153 (2026)

AI agent enrollment rate 24.8% Enrollment rate for beneficiaries supported by eHealth's AI-powered voice agent

Traditional screener enrollment 22.3% Enrollment rate for beneficiaries assisted by traditional screeners

Market Reality Check

Price: $1.3000 Vol: Volume 691,622 is 51% abo...

high vol

$1.3000 Last Close

Volume Volume 691,622 is 51% above the 20-day average of 458,689. high

Technical Shares at $1.80 are well below the 200-day MA of $4.11 and 84.15% below the 52-week high of $11.36, hovering just 1.12% above the 52-week low of $1.78.

Peers on Argus

EHTH was down 9.09% while key peers showed mixed moves: GOCO -12.69%, TWFG -9.33...

EHTH was down 9.09% while key peers showed mixed moves: GOCO -12.69%, TWFG -9.33%, but AIFU +1.13% and XHG +2.09%. With both positive and negative peer moves and no momentum flags, the reaction appeared more company-specific than sector-driven.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Feb 09 (Neutral)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Feb 09	Earnings call notice	Neutral	-6.8%	Scheduled Q4 and FY 2025 results release and conference call details.
Jan 06	Inducement grant	Neutral	-3.3%	Inducement RSU award of 5,000 shares to a new employee under inducement plan.
Jan 06	Credit facility	Neutral	-3.2%	Announced new $125M asset-based revolver to refinance debt and fund initiatives.
Dec 18	Guidance update	Positive	+21.2%	Raised 2025 guidance after strong AEP performance and higher-quality channels.
Dec 03	Survey snapshot	Positive	+3.2%	Reported strong consumer satisfaction and updated Medicare cost metrics for 2026.

Pattern Detected

Recent fundamental and operational updates have often coincided with notable price swings, with strong AEP-related guidance upgrades drawing the clearest positive reaction.

Recent Company History

Over the last few months, eHealth has highlighted AEP strength and financial repositioning. On Dec 18, 2025, updated 2025 guidance with revenue of $540M–$560M and GAAP net income of $30M–$45M drove a 21.24% gain. A Dec. 3 snapshot showed rising costs but high satisfaction, with Medicare Advantage out-of-pocket maximums near $6,240. In January 2026, the company added a $125M ABL facility and announced an earnings-call date, both followed by modest declines. Today’s Medicare Advantage savings and AI-usage story continues this theme of operational focus and consumer insights.

Regulatory & Risk Context

Active S-3 Shelf · $300 million

Shelf Active

Active S-3 Shelf Registration 2025-08-07

$300 million registered capacity

An effective Form S-3 universal shelf filed on Aug 7, 2025 permits eHealth to issue up to $300 million of various securities in future offerings, providing flexibility to raise capital for working capital, corporate purposes, or acquisitions; any equity issuance under this shelf would dilute existing shareholders. No usage has been disclosed to date.

Market Pulse Summary

The stock moved -8.9% in the session following this news. A negative reaction despite operationally ...

Analysis

The stock moved -8.9% in the session following this news. A negative reaction despite operationally constructive news fits a history where several neutral or financing-related updates, including the $125M credit facility and an earnings-call notice, were followed by declines of 3–7%. The article emphasizes potential annual savings of $1,676 and stronger AI-assisted enrollment, but the stock already traded 84.15% below its 52-week high before publication. The unused $300 million shelf registration also leaves open the possibility of future equity issuance, which can weigh on sentiment.

Key Terms

medicare advantage, medicare advantage open enrollment period, out-of-pocket maximum, deductibles, +4 more

8 terms

medicare advantage regulatory

"Medicare Advantage beneficiaries who compared their 2025 coverage to new 2026 plans"

Medicare Advantage is a type of health insurance plan offered by private companies that covers services traditionally provided by government-run Medicare. Think of it as a bundled package that combines hospital, doctor, and other medical care into one plan, often with added benefits. For investors, it matters because the popularity and profitability of these plans can influence healthcare companies and the broader health insurance industry.

medicare advantage open enrollment period regulatory

"eHealth's findings are important for enrollees to know during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period"

A Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period is a yearly, limited window when people already in Medicare Advantage plans can change to a different Medicare Advantage plan or drop back to original Medicare and join a drug plan. Think of it like a short annual chance to swap phone carriers: it lets consumers react to plan costs or coverage, creating predictable spikes in enrollment changes that affect insurers’ revenue, membership trends and competitive behavior — information investors use to judge plan stability and growth.

out-of-pocket maximum financial

"7% increase in the average out-of-pocket maximum, rising from $5,749 for 2025 plans"

The out-of-pocket maximum is the most a person will pay in a year for covered medical care, after which their insurer pays 100% of further covered costs; think of it as a financial ceiling on your health bills. For investors, it matters because this cap influences employee disposable income, corporate benefit expenses and how much risk insurers or employers carry for large medical claims, affecting profits and cash flow.

deductibles financial

"including reduced premiums and deductibles."

Deductibles are the amount of money you pay out of pocket for expenses before your insurance or coverage begins to pay. For example, if you have a deductible of $500, you cover the first $500 of costs yourself, and then the insurance helps with the remaining expenses. Understanding deductibles helps investors gauge the potential costs and risks associated with insurance plans or financial protections.

ai-powered voice agent technical

"beneficiaries supported by eHealth's AI-powered voice agent were more likely to enroll"

A voice-driven software assistant that uses artificial intelligence to understand spoken requests and respond or take actions, like a virtual employee that listens, interprets, and talks back. Investors should care because these agents can cut customer-service costs, speed transactions, gather usable data, and create new revenue or efficiency advantages, while also introducing risks around accuracy, privacy, and regulatory compliance that can affect costs and reputation.

annual enrollment period regulatory

"selected by eHealth customers during Medicare's recent Annual Enrollment Period"

A yearly window when individuals covered by certain health insurance programs can enroll in, cancel, or switch plans and make coverage choices for the coming year. Think of it like a seasonal shopping period for health coverage: the choices people make during this brief time determine insurers’ customer counts and revenue for the next year, so shifts in enrollment can materially affect insurance companies’ financial results and investor expectations.

preventive healthcare screenings medical

"34% of Americans do not know that recommended preventive healthcare screenings are covered"

Preventive healthcare screenings are routine medical checks—such as blood tests, imaging, and physical exams—done to find early signs of disease before symptoms appear. For investors, they matter because higher use or improved access to screenings can lower long‑term treatment costs, boost demand for medical services and devices, and affect insurer payouts and workplace productivity; think of them like regular car maintenance that helps avoid costly breakdowns later.

glp-1 drugs medical

"69% of Medicare beneficiaries ... seeking to lose weight in 2026 want to use GLP-1 drugs"

GLP-1 drugs are medicines that mimic a natural gut hormone (glucagon-like peptide-1) to help lower blood sugar and reduce appetite, often used to treat type 2 diabetes and promote weight loss. They matter to investors because they can reshape demand across healthcare — affecting drug sales, medical costs, insurance coverage, and related industries — much like a disruptive new product that changes how people buy and use an everyday item.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

The eHealth analysis found Medicare Advantage beneficiaries who compared their 2025 coverage to new 2026 plans potentially saved an average of $1,676 per year in out-of-pocket costs

Consumers supported by e-Health's AI-powered voice agent were more likely to enroll in a plan, as compared to beneficiaries helped by traditional screeners

Amid the current Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, a survey found 48% of Medicare Advantage enrollees are unaware of this chance to make Medicare coverage changes

AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- With healthcare costs now ranking as the top economic anxiety among Americans, eHealth (Nasdaq: EHTH), a leading online health insurance marketplace, released findings from a new analysis showing significant potential savings on premiums and out-of-pocket costs among people who comparison shopped Medicare Advantage plans for 2026.

Among Medicare Advantage beneficiaries who worked with eHealth to compare their 2025 coverage to newer plans available for 2026 in their respective areas, the average potential annual savings was $1,676. That savings figure reflects lower out-of-pockets costs for medical care and prescription drugs, including reduced premiums and deductibles.

eHealth's findings are important for enrollees to know during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (Jan. 1 through March 31, 2026). This often-overlooked time of year enables the more than 34 million Americans with Medicare Advantage plans to switch to a different Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare, with or without Part D coverage.

Yet a new eHealth survey found 48% of Medicare Advantage enrollees are unaware of this annual enrollment period, which means many of the 34 million Americans with this type of Medicare coverage may miss out on selecting a plan better suited for them.

"With anxiety about healthcare costs at an all-time high, this analysis highlights the importance of researching available coverage options and making informed decisions based on personal preferences, health conditions, and financial situations," said Derrick Duke, CEO, eHealth. "While many Americans express confusion about how to effectively compare health plans, these data demonstrate that evaluating coverage options can help consumers save money while maintaining access to quality care." 

Additional Medicare Advantage enrollment trends
An analysis of Medicare Advantage plans selected by eHealth customers during Medicare's recent Annual Enrollment Period (Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, 2025) also found:

• 88% of Medicare Advantage plans selected for 2026 had a $0 monthly premium, up from 87% the year before.
• $4 was the average monthly premium for 2026 plans, down from $5 in 2025.
• 7% increase in the average out-of-pocket maximum, rising from $5,749 for 2025 plans to $6,153 for 2026 options.
• Medicare Advantage beneficiaries supported by eHealth's AI-powered voice agent were more likely to enroll in a plan, as compared to consumers assisted by traditional screeners (24.8% vs. 22.3%). This further enhances the consumer experience, creates operating leverage, and enables promising opportunities for other consumer-facing AI applications.

More findings from the eHealth survey to help people use their health benefits

• 34% of Americans do not know that recommended preventive healthcare screenings are covered at no cost by most health plans.
• 22% of people do not know that annual physical and wellness checkups are covered at no cost by most health plans.
• 19% of Americans are unaware that flu and COVID shots are covered at no cost by most health plans.
• 69% of Medicare beneficiaries (and 54% of adults overall) seeking to lose weight in 2026 want to use GLP-1 drugs to meet their goals.

About the survey and Medicare Advantage plan analysis 
eHealth's survey findings are based on a nationwide, general population poll of over 1,000 Americans age 18+. The survey was conducted on Dec. 19, 2025, through a national survey vendor. Findings have been rounded to the nearest full percentage point. The sampling error was plus or minus 3%.

Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plan data are based on an eHealth analysis of MAPD plans selected by beneficiaries through eHealth between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7, 2025. For the potential saving figure, eHealth calculated the estimated total yearly cost for each MA beneficiary of their current non-Special Needs Plan (SNP) MAPD plan, including monthly plan premiums, the 2026 Part B premium minus any giveback, and the estimated annual cost of their prescription drugs, then compared that amount to the least expensive non-SNP MAPD plan with similar benefits available in their service area. We also excluded costs for Chronic Special Needs Plans (CSNP), as enrollment in those plans is restricted to special needs individuals with specific severe or disabling chronic conditions as defined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The dollar difference between their current plan and the lowest-cost available plan available was averaged across all MA beneficiaries shopping through eHealth to determine the average potential annual savings.

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, 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

No information relevant to eHealth's financial performance should be drawn from this report. Like other insurance brokers, eHealth is compensated on a fixed per-member basis for Medicare Advantage plans, as regulated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/open-enrollment-recap-americans-who-comparison-shopped-medicare-advantage-for-2026-potentially-saved-an-average-of-over-1-600-per-year-302686300.html

SOURCE eHealth, Inc.

FAQ

How much could Medicare Advantage enrollees save by comparison shopping for 2026, according to EHTH?

Potential savings averaged $1,676 per year for beneficiaries who compared 2025 to 2026 plans. According to the company, that figure reflects lower premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs for care and prescriptions.

What change occurred in average monthly Medicare Advantage premiums for 2026 reported by EHTH (EHTH)?

Average monthly premiums fell to $4 for 2026 plans, down from $5 in 2025. According to the company, this represents a lower premium environment for plans selected by eHealth customers.

What proportion of 2026 Medicare Advantage plans selected through EHTH had a $0 monthly premium?

88% of Medicare Advantage plans selected for 2026 had a $0 monthly premium. According to the company, this was up from 87% the prior year for plans chosen by customers.

How did eHealth's AI voice agent affect Medicare Advantage enrollment conversion rates (EHTH)?

Consumers helped by the AI voice agent enrolled at a higher rate (24.8%) versus traditional screeners (22.3%). According to the company, this suggests improved consumer experience and operating leverage.

What awareness gaps did EHTH identify about the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period for 2026?

A survey found 48% of Medicare Advantage enrollees were unaware of the Open Enrollment Period (Jan 1–Mar 31, 2026). According to the company, many eligible beneficiaries may miss opportunities to switch plans.