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

News Market Reaction – EHTH

+3.23%

1 alert

+3.23% News Effect

+$4M Valuation Impact

$131M Market Cap

0.1x Rel. Volume

On the day this news was published, EHTH gained 3.23%, reflecting a moderate positive market reaction. This price movement added approximately $4M to the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $131M at that time.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

Coverage satisfaction: 77% Medicare satisfaction: 86% Out-of-pocket max 2026: $6,240 +5 more

8 metrics

Coverage satisfaction 77% Americans who reviewed their 2026 plan choices felt good about options

Medicare satisfaction 86% Medicare beneficiaries satisfied with 2026 coverage options

Out-of-pocket max 2026 $6,240 Average Medicare Advantage out-of-pocket maximum for 2026, up 8% from $5,760

Deductible 2026 $4,105 Average Medicare Advantage deductible for 2026, down 2.8% from $4,225

Zero-premium MA plans 86% Share of selected Medicare Advantage plans with $0 monthly premium

GLP-1 intent 33% Americans intending to take a GLP-1 drug at discounted pricing

Support GLP-1 policy 59% Americans supporting discounted GLP-1 weight-loss drug availability

Use AI tool 56% Americans who would use an AI tool to find a best-fit health plan

Market Reality Check

Price: $1.89 Vol: Volume 320,543 vs. 20-day...

normal vol

$1.89 Last Close

Volume Volume 320,543 vs. 20-day average 252,716 (about 27% higher), showing above-normal interest ahead of and around this survey release. normal

Technical Price $4.07 is trading below the 200-day MA at $4.83, indicating a longer-term downtrend despite the latest bounce.

Peers on Argus

EHTH was up 4.48% with mixed moves across peers: GOCO +3.19%, TWFG +2.96%, while...

EHTH was up 4.48% with mixed moves across peers: GOCO +3.19%, TWFG +2.96%, while TIRX -10.54% and XHG -1.02%. The pattern suggests a stock-specific reaction rather than a broad industry move.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Dec 03 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Dec 03	Open enrollment survey	Positive	+3.2%	Survey shows 2026 coverage satisfaction and Medicare Advantage cost-mix shifts.
Nov 12	AI product update	Positive	+2.2%	Expansion of Alice AI voice agent across more Medicare service needs.
Nov 06	Survey on coverage	Neutral	-21.9%	Survey shows high personal satisfaction but significant cost-related care delays.
Nov 05	Earnings results notice	Neutral	+0.2%	Announcement of Q3 2025 results release and investor webcast details.
Oct 30	Earnings call preview	Neutral	+2.6%	Scheduling notice for upcoming Q3 2025 earnings call and webcast.

Pattern Detected

Recent news—surveys and AI product updates—has more often seen positive or modestly positive price reactions, with one notable negative response to a mixed-cost survey.

Recent Company History

Over the last few months, eHealth has focused on surveys and operational updates. On Oct 30 and Nov 5, earnings-related notices produced modest moves. A Nov 6 survey highlighting satisfaction but high costs coincided with a -21.86% move. The Nov 12 AI voice-agent expansion saw a +2.17% reaction. Today’s Dec 3 open-enrollment snapshot, showing 77% satisfaction and shifting Medicare Advantage plan designs, aligns with prior generally constructive responses to product and survey data.

Regulatory & Risk Context

Active S-3 Shelf · $300 million

Shelf Active

Active S-3 Shelf Registration 2025-08-07

$300 million registered capacity

eHealth filed a Form S-3 universal shelf on 2025-08-07 to issue up to $300 million of various securities. This increases capital-raising flexibility and potential liquidity, but any equity issuance under the shelf would dilute existing shareholders. No usage has been recorded yet (usage_count 0).

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement underscores that most Americans—77% of those reviewing options—felt good about 202...

Analysis

This announcement underscores that most Americans—77% of those reviewing options—felt good about 2026 coverage, while Medicare Advantage buyers accepted higher out-of-pocket maximums alongside slightly lower deductibles and largely $0-premium plans. It also highlights growing interest in GLP-1 drugs and AI-assisted plan shopping. Investors may watch how these trends influence eHealth’s enrollment mix, commission streams, and the company’s use of its $300 million S-3 capital-raising capacity.

Key Terms

glp-1, affordable care act, medicare advantage, artificial intelligence (ai), +2 more

6 terms

glp-1 medical

"Regarding GLP-1 drugs, 33% of Americans intend to begin taking these medications"

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a natural hormone in the body that helps regulate blood sugar levels and appetite. Its significance to investors lies in its role as the basis for a class of medications that address conditions like type 2 diabetes and obesity, which are large and growing markets. Advances or investments in GLP-1-based treatments can signal opportunities in healthcare innovation and potentially impact pharmaceutical companies’ growth.

affordable care act regulatory

"including 74% of people with Affordable Care Act plans"

A major U.S. federal law that reshaped how health insurance is sold, who must be covered, and how care is paid for, creating marketplaces, subsidies, and rules for insurers and employers. Investors watch it because it changes how many people have coverage, where healthcare dollars flow, and the costs and revenue outlook for hospitals, insurers, drugmakers and employers—think of it as a new rulebook that can shift demand and profit margins across the health sector.

medicare advantage medical

"When it comes to Medicare Advantage enrollment trends, new eHealth data shows"

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.

artificial intelligence (ai) technical

""in the future artificial intelligence (AI) will make it easier for me to find"

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the development of computer systems that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence, such as understanding language, recognizing patterns, and making decisions. For investors, AI can enhance how businesses analyze data, automate processes, and innovate, potentially leading to increased efficiency and new opportunities in the market.

out-of-pocket maximum financial

"plans with higher out-of-pocket maximums, while deductibles have declined slightly"

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.

deductible financial

"while deductibles have declined slightly compared to last year"

A deductible is the portion of an insurance claim or bill that the policyholder must pay out of pocket before the insurer contributes. Think of it as the first slice of a restaurant bill you always cover; higher deductibles lower how often an insurer pays small claims but shift more cost to consumers, which can affect demand, claim frequency, company expenses and profit margins—facts investors watch when assessing risk and future cash flow.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

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.