More Medicare beneficiaries are worried about out-of-pocket expenses than premiums, according to a survey from eHealth.
The online insurance marketplace surveyed 4,567 Medicare beneficiaries who purchased Medicare Advantage, Part D or Medigap plans through eHealth. The results of the survey were published Feb. 23.
Of the respondents, 43 percent said they were somewhat or very worried about premium costs, while 75 percent said they were somewhat or very worried about out-of-pocket costs.
Here are six other findings to note from the survey:
- Most respondents were somewhat or very satisfied with their Medicare coverage. Just 4 percent said they were dissatisfied with their plan.
- Finding a plan that covers their current providers was the top priority when choosing Medicare coverage for 31 percent of respondents. Another 24 percent said affordable premiums were top priority.
- Many of the beneficiaries surveyed are worried about affordability — 37 percent said their top concern for future medical care is being unable to afford it. Another 28 percent said their top worry was Medicare benefits being reduced.
- Six in 10 respondents said political leaders are not responsive to the needs of Medicare beneficiaries.
- Forty-three percent of the beneficiaries surveyed said they believed Medicare is headed in the right direction. Another 19 percent said it is headed in the wrong direction, and 39 percent said they don't know.
- Around 6 in 10 of the respondents said they are worried about the costs of COVID-19 testing or care when the public health emergency expires in May.
Read the full survey here.