Open Enrollment Recap: Americans Who Comparison Shopped Medicare Advantage for 2026 Potentially Saved an Average of Over $1,600 Per Year
MWN-AI** Summary
During the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, a recent analysis by eHealth revealed that beneficiaries who compared their current 2025 plans to newer 2026 options potentially saved an average of $1,676 annually in out-of-pocket costs. This figure includes savings on premiums, deductibles, and prescription drugs, emphasizing the financial benefits of thorough plan comparison.
Despite these significant savings, the survey found that nearly 48% of Medicare Advantage enrollees are unaware of their ability to change plans during this enrollment period, which runs from January 1 to March 31, 2026. This lack of awareness could prevent millions of Americans from accessing plans better suited to their needs. Derrick Duke, CEO of eHealth, highlighted the importance of researching coverage options amid rising healthcare costs, suggesting that informed decision-making can lead to substantial savings and maintained access to quality care.
Additional findings from the analysis indicated that a remarkable 88% of the Medicare Advantage plans chosen for 2026 had no monthly premium, an increase from the previous year. The average monthly premium for these plans decreased from $5 in 2025 to $4 in 2026, although there was a 7% rise in the average out-of-pocket maximum, which increased from $5,749 in 2025 to $6,153 in 2026.
Moreover, beneficiaries supported by eHealth's AI-powered voice assistant were more likely to enroll in suitable plans compared to those assisted by traditional methods, suggesting that innovative technologies are enhancing consumer experiences in health insurance enrollment. The analysis not only highlights potential savings but also underscores the necessity of raising awareness about the options available to Medicare beneficiaries.
MWN-AI** Analysis
The recent findings from eHealth underscore the significant financial implications for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries during the ongoing Open Enrollment Period, revealing that those who comparison-shopped for 2026 plans could potentially save an average of $1,676 annually. Given that healthcare costs have emerged as a primary concern for many Americans, this analysis provides both timely and critical insights for financial planning.
Investing time in comparing Medicare Advantage plans can yield substantial savings. With nearly half of enrollees unaware of the enrollment period, educational initiatives aimed at promoting awareness could exponentially increase participation. Beneficiaries should be encouraged to assess their current plans against new offerings, focusing on factors such as premiums, out-of-pocket maximums, and prescription costs, as these can significantly affect overall healthcare expenses.
Moreover, the data indicates a trend toward lower monthly premiums, with 88% of selected plans for 2026 showcasing a $0 premium option. Despite a slight increase in average out-of-pocket maximums, beneficiaries may find a range of options that fit their financial needs better than their current plans. This is particularly pertinent as out-of-pocket costs can escalate quickly without proper planning.
For financial advisors and investors, eHealth's use of AI-powered tools to improve plan selection represents a technological frontier worth examining. The correlation between AI-assisted enrollment and increased participation may suggest lucrative opportunities for tech investments in health services that leverage artificial intelligence.
In conclusion, as an advisor, it's crucial to guide clients through this enrollment period, emphasizing proactive shopping and informed decision-making to enhance their healthcare financial management. The savings potential is significant, and with proper education and support, beneficiaries can improve their health coverage while alleviating financial pressure.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
PR Newswire
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.
SOURCE eHealth, Inc.
FAQ**
How does eHealth Inc. EHTH leverage AI-powered voice agents to enhance the Medicare Advantage comparison shopping experience, and what impact does this technology have on enrollment rates compared to traditional methods?
Given that 48% of Medicare Advantage enrollees are unaware of the Open Enrollment Period, what strategies is eHealth Inc. EHTH implementing to improve awareness and education about available healthcare options and potential savings?
What specific factors contributed to the average potential savings of $1,676 for beneficiaries who comparison shopped Medicare Advantage plans through eHealth Inc. EHTH, and how do these savings reflect on overall healthcare affordability?
How does eHealth Inc. EHTH plan to address the reported confusion among Americans regarding health plan comparisons, especially considering that a significant percentage are unaware of no-cost preventive healthcare screenings and services?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about eHealth Inc. (NASDAQ: EHTH).
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