With open enrollment under way and partisan bickering heating up during the government shutdown, Americans have conflicting views about the U.S. health care system. Despite half of consumers giving the overall U.S. health insurance system a grade of C and three-fourths having delayed or skipped medical care because of out-of-pocket costs, nearly 9 in 10 are satisfied with their own insurance.
“Americans report mixed feelings about the health insurance system,” said Derrick Duke, CEO of eHealth. “While many are satisfied with their coverage, affordability remains a major concern.”
A new survey from eHealth checked the pulse of consumers on several important health care issues.
Coverage satisfaction
- Eighty-eight percent of respondents expressed satisfaction with their coverage. Among these, 48% said they were “very satisfied.”
- Medicare enrollees were most likely to say they are satisfied, while those with employer coverage were most likely to say they were unsatisfied.
- Nearly equal numbers said their monthly premium was the most satisfying (39%) and the least satisfying (37%) aspect of their coverage.
GLP-1 drug coverage
- Fifty-five percent of Americans mistakenly believe that GLP-1 drugs are covered for weight loss by most health insurance plans.
- Three-fourths would be interested in taking a GLP-1 drug for weight loss if it were covered by their insurance company.
- Among this group, 36% would willingly pay at least $500 extra monthly.
Artificial intelligence for insurance enrollment
- More than 7 in 10 would be interested in working with an AI agent when shopping for health insurance if it provided them with more-efficient help.
Employer-based coverage
- Sixty-eight percent of people with employer-based coverage like the idea of employers offering stipends for them to shop for health plans on their own in the ACA market, mirroring the approach currently available through Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements.
- Nearly 9 in 10 people with an employer-based plan wish they could bring their health insurance with them when they change jobs.
“With tens of millions navigating open enrollment for 2026, it’s critical that consumers understand their options,” Duke said. “Doing so can help them save time, potentially reduce costs and ensure access to quality care.”
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