Open Enrollment Snapshot: 77% of Americans Are Pleased with Their Health Insurance Options for 2026

Rhea-AI Summary

eHealth (Nasdaq: EHTH) released a December 3, 2025 open-enrollment snapshot showing broad consumer satisfaction but rising costs. 77% of Americans who reviewed 2026 options felt good about coverage, with 86% satisfaction among Medicare beneficiaries and 81% for employer plans.

Survey highlights include strong support for Trump administration actions on insurance and discounted GLP-1 access (59% support), with 33% saying they intend to take a GLP-1 at discounted prices. eHealth plan-analysis found an 8% increase in Medicare Advantage average out-of-pocket maximums to $6,240 and a 2.8% decline in average deductibles to $4,105. 86% of selected Medicare Advantage plans had a $0 monthly premium.

Positive

• 77% of Americans felt good about their 2026 coverage options
• 86% satisfaction among Medicare beneficiaries
• Medicare Advantage out-of-pocket average reported at $6,240 for 2026
• 86% of selected Medicare Advantage plans had a $0 monthly premium

Negative

• 51% of people who reviewed options were surprised by high monthly premiums
• 79% of ACA enrollees surprised by premium cost
• Average Medicare Advantage out-of-pocket maximum rose 8% from 2025 to 2026

Insights

Health policy analyst

Survey shows broad satisfaction but mixed cost signals; policy moves on GLP-1s and subsidies drive attention.

Most respondents reported feeling good about their 2026 coverage options, with satisfaction highest among Medicare beneficiaries (86%) and employer-plan enrollees (81%). The release also reports strong support for administration actions on drug pricing and subsidies, and that 33% of Americans intend to start GLP-1s at discounted prices.

Risks and dependencies center on affordability measures. The survey highlights surprise at premium costs (51% surprised, 79% of ACA enrollees), and mixed signals on benefit richness despite high satisfaction. Watch congressional action on enhanced ACA subsidies and the administration’s GLP-1 pricing timeline in 2026; these will materially affect out-of-pocket burdens and plan choice behavior over the coming enrollment year.

Medicare product strategist

Medicare Advantage selection trends show modest trade-offs: slightly lower deductibles but higher out-of-pocket maximums.

Customer selections show an 8% increase in average out-of-pocket maximums, from $5,760 to $6,240, while average deductibles fell 2.8%, from $4,225 to $4,105. The share of $0 monthly premium plans remains high at 86%, with an unchanged average premium of $5.

These figures imply enrollee choices tilt toward preserving low monthly premiums while accepting larger catastrophic exposure. Key monitors include the reported out-of-pocket maximum trends during the remainder of AEP and any shifts in plan design offerings through 2026. For plan comparisons, track premium versus max-outlay trade-offs when evaluating benefit adequacy.

Regarding GLP-1 drugs, 33% of Americans intend to begin taking these medications for weight loss once the Trump administration makes them available at discounted prices next year

57% of Americans say the Trump administration is making the needs of health insurance enrollees a high priority, including 74% of people with Affordable Care Act plans

AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With open enrollment for 2026 health benefits in full swing, eHealth (Nasdaq: EHTH), a leading online health insurance marketplace, released findings from a new survey showing that most Americans are happy with their coverage options for next year, despite many people expressing surprise with the cost of plan premiums.

When it comes to Medicare Advantage enrollment trends, new eHealth data shows consumers are selecting plans with higher out-of-pocket maximums, while deductibles have declined slightly compared to last year.

eHealth's survey of more than 1,500 Americans highlights opinions from people enrolled in Medicare, employer-based plans, and Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage, including:

On open enrollment season

• 77% of Americans who have reviewed their 2026 plan choices felt good about their coverage options, with the highest satisfaction among Medicare beneficiaries (86%) and people with employer-sponsored plans (81%).
• 57% of Americans enrolled in ACA plans remain hopeful that enhanced subsidies will be extended by Congress.
• 51% of Americans who have reviewed their coverage options were surprised by the high cost of monthly premiums, including 79% of ACA enrollees.

On Trump administration health insurance policies

• 57% of Americans said the Trump administration "is making the needs of health insurance enrollees a high priority," including 66% of Medicare beneficiaries.
• 59% of Americans support the administration's plan to make GLP-1 drugs broadly available for weight loss at discounted prices.
• 33% of Americans intend to take a GLP-1 drug when discounted pricing takes effect; among these, 68% are willing to pay $100 or more, while 49% are willing to pay $200 or more.

On leveraging AI for health insurance shopping

• 57% of Americans agreed that "in the future artificial intelligence (AI) will make it easier for me to find the best health insurance plan for my personal coverage needs and budget."
• 56% of Americans said they would use an AI tool to find the best health plan for their needs today if it saved them time and money, including 76% of those with ACA coverage and 63% of those with Medicare or employer-based coverage.

Medicare Advantage enrollment trends
An analysis of Medicare Advantage plans selected by eHealth customers in the first half of Medicare's Annual Enrollment period found:

• 8% increase in the average out-of-pocket maximum, rising from $5,760 for 2025 plans to $6,240 for 2026 options.
• 2.8% decrease in the average deductible, declining from $4,225 for 2025 plans to $4,105 for 2026 options.
• 86% of Medicare Advantage plans selected had a $0 monthly premium, compared to 85% last year.
• $5 was the average premium for Medicare Advantage plans, unchanged from last year.

"As Americans make health benefit decisions for 2026, these data highlight the importance of researching the available coverage options and making informed decisions based on personal preferences, health conditions, and financial situations," said Derrick Duke, CEO, eHealth. "While many Americans are satisfied with their coverage options for 2026, many are facing significant cost increases and less rich benefits. To help counteract those trends, it is crucial consumers compare their plan options to make the optimal benefit decision for themselves and their loved ones."  

About the survey and Medicare Advantage plan analysis 
eHealth's findings are based on a nationwide, general population survey of 1,508 Americans age 18+. The survey was conducted on Nov. 17 and 18 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 plan costs and selection data are based on an eHealth analysis of Medicare Advantage plans selected by beneficiaries through eHealth between October 15 and November 8, 2025.

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.

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  

 

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SOURCE eHealth, Inc.

FAQ

What did eHealth report about American satisfaction with 2026 health plans (EHTH, Dec 3, 2025)?

eHealth reported 77% of Americans who reviewed 2026 choices felt good about their coverage, with 86% satisfaction among Medicare beneficiaries.

How did Medicare Advantage costs change in eHealth's 2026 snapshot for EHTH?

eHealth found an 8% increase in average out-of-pocket max to $6,240 and a 2.8% decrease in average deductible to $4,105.

What percent of Medicare Advantage plans selected had a $0 premium according to eHealth (EHTH)?

eHealth found 86% of Medicare Advantage plans selected had a $0 monthly premium for 2026.

How many Americans intend to take discounted GLP-1 drugs once available (EHTH survey)?

The survey found 33% of Americans intend to begin taking GLP-1 drugs for weight loss when discounted pricing takes effect.

What share of ACA enrollees were surprised by premium costs in eHealth's 2026 survey?

79% of ACA enrollees who reviewed coverage options reported being surprised by high monthly premiums.

What did eHealth report about consumer interest in AI for plan shopping (EHTH)?

eHealth reported 57% of Americans agree AI will make it easier to find the best health plan, and 56% would use an AI tool today if it saved time and money.