About three-quarters of Americans who have reviewed their health insurance options for 2026 report being satisfied, according to a survey by online marketplace eHealth. Yet, roughly half of respondents said they were surprised by rising premiums as open enrollment gets underway.
The survey, which included more than 1,500 Americans enrolled in Medicare, employer-based plans and Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage, found the highest satisfaction levels among Medicare beneficiaries and individuals with employer-sponsored plans.
“While many Americans are satisfied with their coverage options for 2026, many are facing significant cost increases and less rich benefits,” says Derrick Duke, CEO of eHealth. “To help counteract those trends, it is crucial for consumers to compare their plan options to make the optimal benefit decision for themselves and their loved ones. Doing so can help consumers save on out-of-pocket medical costs in 2026, while helping maintain access to quality care.”
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The survey also explored opinions on broader healthcare issues. More than half of respondents said the Trump administration is making the needs of health insurance enrollees a high priority, including 66% of Medicare beneficiaries. Nearly 60% supported plans to make GLP-1 drugs more broadly available for weight loss at discounted prices, and about one-third said they intend to take a GLP-1 drug once discounted pricing becomes available.
Technology is another area of optimism. Many Americans believe artificial intelligence could make choosing a health insurance plan easier. In the survey, 56% said they would use an AI tool to find the best plan if it saved time and money, including 76% of those with ACA coverage and 63% of those with Medicare or employer-based plans.
On the Medicare Advantage front, new eHealth data shows consumers are selecting plans with higher out-of-pocket maximums but slightly lower deductibles compared with last year. An analysis of plans chosen in the first half of Medicare’s Annual Enrollment period found the average out-of-pocket maximum rose 8%, from $5,760 for 2025 plans to $6,240 for 2026 options, while the average deductible fell 2.8%, from $4,225 to $4,105. Eighty-six percent of selected plans had a $0 monthly premium, up slightly from 85% last year.
