Survey: 75% of Medicare Beneficiaries Say Selecting a Plan Is Confusing

Rhea-AI Summary

eHealth (NASDAQ:EHTH) released findings from a survey of over 1,500 Medicare beneficiaries, revealing significant confusion and knowledge gaps ahead of the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) running from October 15 through December 7, 2025.

The survey highlights that 75% of beneficiaries find choosing Medicare plans confusing, while 36% are unaware of significant cost and benefit changes expected for 2026. Only 51% plan to review their coverage options this AEP, down from 63% last year. Additionally, 33% of beneficiaries lack understanding of differences between Medicare plan types, and 50% expressed interest in using AI assistance for plan selection.

Notable findings include confusion about GLP-1 drug coverage, vaccine costs, and Special Needs Plans, with 25% of diabetic beneficiaries unaware of Chronic Special Needs Plans (C-SNPs).

Positive

• 50% of beneficiaries show openness to AI assistance for Medicare plan selection
• 47% of Medicare Advantage and Part D enrollees have received their Annual Notice of Change letters
• Growing interest in GLP-1 drugs with 21% willing to pay $500+ monthly for access

Negative

• 75% of Medicare beneficiaries find plan selection confusing
• 36% of enrollees unaware of significant upcoming plan changes for 2026
• Declining engagement with only 51% planning to review coverage options, down from 63% last year
• 33% lack understanding of different Medicare plan types
• 29% unaware of no-cost vaccine coverage under Medicare

More than a third of Medicare Advantage and Part D plan enrollees are unaware that significant plan changes are expected this Annual Enrollment Period

AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- eHealth, Inc. (Nasdaq: EHTH), a leading health insurance marketplace, today released findings from a new survey showing most Medicare beneficiaries find it confusing to shop for a plan during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), with about one-third of Medicare Advantage enrollees largely unaware of significant changes expected for the coming year.  

The survey of more than 1,500 Medicare beneficiaries offers timely insights as millions of Americans will soon make coverage decisions during this year's AEP, which runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, 2025. Key findings from eHealth's survey include:

• 75% of Medicare beneficiaries said choosing a Medicare plan is confusing.
• 51% of Medicare beneficiaries intend to review their coverage options this AEP, compared to 63% who said they did so last year.
• 36% of Medicare Advantage and Part D plan enrollees said they are unaware that significant cost and benefit changes are expected for 2026.
• 33% of Medicare beneficiaries agree they don't have a good understanding of how Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and Part D plans differ.
• 33% of Medicare beneficiaries incorrectly believe Medicare covers GLP-1 drugs for weight loss.
• 29% of Medicare beneficiaries are unaware that Medicare covers recommended vaccines with no out-of-pocket costs.

"This is not the year for Medicare beneficiaries to go on autopilot, as significant changes are expected for Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and Part D plans," said Derrick Duke, CEO of eHealth. "As this survey shows, many Medicare beneficiaries find the process of comparing their options to be confusing, especially this year with so many health insurers making changes to supplemental benefits and eliminating some plans entirely. Comparing plans is crucial because it can help Medicare beneficiaries save on out-of-pocket expenses and retain access to quality care."

Other key findings from the survey include:

On Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letters 

• 47% of Medicare Advantage and Part D plan enrollees report having received their ANOC letters, which detail key plan changes for the coming year.
• 24% of Medicare Advantage and Part D plan enrollees said they don't ever recall having received an ANOC letter while enrolled in one of these plans.

On working with AI agents

• 50% of Medicare beneficiaries said they would be interested in working with an artificial intelligence (AI) agent by phone if it helps them get more efficient assistance when shopping for Medicare plans.

On Chronic Special Needs Plans (C-SNPs) 

• 25% of Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes are unaware of C-SNPs, which are designed specifically for people with certain chronic conditions and are becoming increasingly popular.

On coverage for GLP-1 drugs

• 50% of Medicare beneficiaries said they would be interested in taking GLP-1 drugs for weight loss if they were covered by Medicare; among these, 21% would willingly pay an extra $500 or more per month for access to GLP-1 drugs.

Read the full report. 

About the survey 
Findings are based on a nationwide survey of more than 1,500 Medicare beneficiaries conducted on Sept. 15 and 16 through a national survey vendor. The sampling error was 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

 

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SOURCE eHealth, Inc.

FAQ

What percentage of Medicare beneficiaries find choosing a plan confusing in 2025?

According to eHealth's survey, 75% of Medicare beneficiaries reported finding the process of choosing a Medicare plan confusing.

When is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) for 2025?

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15 through December 7, 2025.

How many Medicare beneficiaries plan to review their coverage options during the 2025 AEP?

51% of Medicare beneficiaries intend to review their coverage options during this AEP, down from 63% who did so last year.

What percentage of Medicare Advantage enrollees are unaware of 2026 plan changes?

36% of Medicare Advantage and Part D plan enrollees are unaware that significant cost and benefit changes are expected for 2026.

How many Medicare beneficiaries would consider using AI assistance for plan selection?

50% of Medicare beneficiaries expressed interest in working with an artificial intelligence (AI) agent by phone for more efficient assistance when shopping for Medicare plans.

What percentage of diabetic Medicare beneficiaries are unaware of C-SNPs?

25% of Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes are unaware of Chronic Special Needs Plans (C-SNPs), which are specifically designed for people with certain chronic conditions.