Survey: 75% of Medicare Beneficiaries Say Selecting a Plan Is Confusing
MWN-AI** Summary
A recent survey by eHealth, Inc., a prominent health insurance marketplace, reveals that 75% of Medicare beneficiaries find the process of selecting a plan confusing. This finding comes as millions prepare to make their decisions during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), which runs from October 15 to December 7, 2025. The survey highlights critical insights regarding beneficiaries’ understanding of their Medicare options and the imminent changes.
The survey of over 1,500 Medicare beneficiaries found that 51% plan to review their coverage options this AEP, down from 63% last year. Alarmingly, 36% of enrollees in Medicare Advantage and Part D plans are unaware of significant changes anticipated for 2026, while only one-third feel they adequately understand the distinctions between Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and Part D plans.
Several misconceptions also surfaced, including that 33% of beneficiaries incorrectly believe Medicare covers GLP-1 drugs for weight loss and 29% are unaware that certain vaccines are available with no out-of-pocket expenses. Additionally, the survey indicated that 50% of beneficiaries would be open to consulting an AI agent for better assistance in navigating Medicare options.
Derrick Duke, CEO of eHealth, emphasized the importance of beneficiaries actively comparing plans, as changes to supplemental benefits and plan offerings could significantly impact out-of-pocket costs and access to care. With 47% of enrollees reporting receipt of their Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letters, timely awareness of changes remains crucial for informed decision-making during this enrollment period. This year’s findings illustrate the necessity for thorough research and potentially new tools to assist beneficiaries in understanding their options better, ensuring they make the best financial and health-related decisions.
MWN-AI** Analysis
The recent survey conducted by eHealth reveals a significant and growing concern among Medicare beneficiaries: a staggering 75% find the process of selecting a plan confusing, especially amid impending changes for the upcoming Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), which runs from October 15 to December 7, 2025. As a financial analyst, this presents unique opportunities and challenges in the healthcare market.
Firstly, the confusion surrounding plan selection highlights an urgent need for enhanced educational resources. Companies focused on Medicare, including insurance providers and technology firms, can capitalize on this by creating materials that simplify complex topics, such as the differences between Medicare Advantage, Supplement, and Part D plans. Furthermore, initiatives that utilize artificial intelligence to provide personalized guidance could meet the expressed interest of 50% of beneficiaries seeking efficient support.
With over a third unaware of significant upcoming changes, this insights gap creates a compelling case for proactive outreach. Organizations should leverage direct communications, such as Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letters, to ensure beneficiaries are well informed. Developing strategies to improve the delivery and understanding of these letters should be prioritized.
Additionally, the knowledge deficit surrounding coverage for chronic conditions and drugs, such as GLP-1 medications for weight loss, suggests a potential for tailored marketing campaigns. Programs highlighting benefits such as Chronic Special Needs Plans (C-SNPs) could attract enrollees and foster loyalty among beneficiaries who may require specialized care.
Finally, the noted drop in those planning to review their options—down from 63% to 51%—indicates a concerning trend that could affect beneficiaries' insurance decisions. Engaging beneficiaries through workshops, webinars, and personalized consultations will be critical in ensuring they remain proactive in managing their health coverage.
In conclusion, navigating these complexities of the Medicare market will require continual innovation and customer-centric strategies, aligning services with beneficiaries' needs to thrive amidst the challenges ahead.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
PR Newswire
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
SOURCE eHealth, Inc.
FAQ**
How might eHealth Inc. EHTH enhance its services to help the 75% of Medicare beneficiaries who find selecting a plan confusing, especially given the significant changes expected in 2026?
What strategies is eHealth Inc. EHTH considering to improve awareness among the 36% of Medicare Advantage and Part D enrollees who are unaware of the upcoming significant changes?
Considering that 50% of Medicare beneficiaries showed interest in working with AI agents, how is eHealth Inc. EHTH planning to integrate AI into its services to address the confusion around plan selection?
With only 25% of beneficiaries aware of Chronic Special Needs Plans (C-SNPs), what initiatives does eHealth Inc. EHTH have in place to educate users about these plans and other essential benefits during the Annual Enrollment Period?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about eHealth Inc. (NASDAQ: EHTH).
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