Americans like their health plans — but nearly half rate the system a ‘C’ or worse

Eighty-eight percent of Americans are content with their health coverage, yet nearly half rate the country’s overall system a “C” or worse, according to a Nov. 6 survey from health insurance marketplace eHealth.

The survey collected input from 1,524 adults across the U.S.

“This new survey highlights the mixed feelings many Americans have about our health insurance system,” Whitney Stidom, vice president of consumer enablement at eHealth, told Becker’s. “While many people are satisfied with their coverage, out-of-pocket costs are often a burden, and navigating the various coverage options can be challenging for some. It is crucial consumers understand their health insurance options, as doing so can help them save time, potentially reduce costs and encourage access to quality care.”

Here are five other notable open enrollment trends the survey uncovered:

• Confusion about GLP-1 coverage is rampant, with 55% of respondents incorrectly believing most plans cover the drugs for weight loss.

• More than 7 in 10 Americans would leverage an AI agent while shopping for a health plan, if it boosts efficiency.

• A similar percentage of Americans delayed or avoided care as a result of out-of-pocket costs. By comparison, in 2018, eHealth found 37% of Medicare beneficiaries skipped or postponed care to save. That percentage jumped to 71% in this year’s results.

• Those with employer-based coverage prefer flexibility: 68% like the idea of getting stipends for insurance, aligning with Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement models. Ms. Stidom emphasized how this support can encourage employers struggling with affording a traditional group plan to consider other options. The majority of employer-plan members would also like to have their insurance translate if they transition to another job. 

• Premiums are polarizing. Thirty-nine percent find their premiums to be the most attractive part of their coverage, whereas 37% find them to be the biggest drawback. Ms. Stidom said government subsidies and employer variability can play a role in this divide.