Survey: Half of Medicare Beneficiaries Have Skipped Medical Care in the Past Year Due to Confusion Over Their Coverage
Six in 10 intend to use AI tools this fall to help them review Medicare plan options
58% of beneficiaries believe they have been targeted by Medicare-related scams
Seven in 10 plan to prioritize GLP-1 drug coverage when considering Medicare choices
INDIANAPOLIS, Oct. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- With a record number of Medicare beneficiaries making coverage decisions during the upcoming Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), eHealth (Nasdaq: EHTH) today published new original research showing that many have skipped medical care recently due to confusion about their coverage, while a growing number are turning to AI to help them compare their plan options.
Based on a survey of over 1,000 Medicare beneficiaries, the new report from eHealth, a leading private online health insurance marketplace, highlights how cost pressures and benefit confusion are pushing many to reconsider their coverage options for 2027:
"With tens of millions of Medicare beneficiaries reconsidering their plan options during this year's Annual Enrollment Period, this new research shows many are delaying accessing care due to cost and coverage confusion, highlighting the need for additional support and educational resources," said Derrick Duke, CEO of eHealth. "The new data show that many Medicare beneficiaries intend to turn to AI tools this year for help reviewing their plan options, yet most beneficiaries say they are more likely to trust advice from a real person."
Additional highlights from the report include:
Most Medicare beneficiaries plan to review their coverage options for 2027
High confidence despite confusion and inadequate resources
Leveraging AI tools to review Medicare plans
Prioritizing GLP-1 drug coverage
Potential vulnerability to Medicare-related scams
The value of Chronic Special Needs Plans (C-SNPs)
Read the full report.
eHealth's report is based on a survey of more than 1,000 Medicare beneficiaries drawn from the general population. The survey was conducted in September 2026 through a third-party survey tool. The margin of error is +/- 3%.
About eHealth
For nearly 30 years, eHealth, Inc. (Nasdaq: EHTH) has helped millions of Americans find the healthcare coverage that fits their needs at a price they can afford, using data, artificial intelligence and a consumer-first approach to help people quickly and effectively compare insurance options. As a leading independent licensed insurance agency and advisor, eHealth offers access to plans from more than 180 health insurers, including national and regional companies, supporting consumers during their working years and retirement. eHealth's licensed insurance agents help match consumers with the insurance plans, services, and support they need to live healthier, more financially secure lives. For more information, visit eHealth or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X.
eHealth media inquiries: [email protected]
SOURCE eHealth, Inc.