Half of U.S. consumers give ‘C’ to U.S. health insurance system

With partisan bickering having heated up during the government shutdown, it’s no surprise that, as open enrollment drives up conversation about healthcare, Americans have conflicting views about the U.S. healthcare system. Despite half of consumers giving the overall U.S. health insurance system a grade of C and three-fourths having delayed or skipped medical care because of out-of-pocket costs, nearly nine in 10 are still satisfied with their own insurance.

“Americans report mixed feelings about the health insurance system,” says Derrick Duke, CEO of eHealth, which conducted the recent survey of consumers on several important healthcare issues. “While many are satisfied with their coverage, affordability remains a major concern.”

See also: The future of GLP-1 drugs for obesity treatment: cost, access and more

Coverage satisfaction

• Eighty-eight percent of respondents expressed satisfaction with their coverage. Among these, 48% said they were “very satisfied.”
• Medicare enrollees were most likely to say they are satisfied, while those with employer coverage were most likely to say they were unsatisfied.
• Nearly equal numbers said their monthly premium was the most satisfying (39%) and the least satisfying (37%) aspect of their coverage.

GLP-1 drug coverage

• Fifty-five percent of Americans mistakenly believe that GLP-1 drugs are covered for weight loss by most health insurance plans.
• Three-fourths would be interested in taking a GLP-1 drug for weight loss if it were covered by their insurance company.
• Among this group, 36% would willingly pay at least $500 extra monthly.

Artificial intelligence for insurance enrollment

• More than seven in 10 would be interested in working with an AI agent when shopping for health insurance if it provided them with more-efficient help.

Employer-based coverage

• Sixty-eight percent of people with employer-based coverage like the idea of employers offering stipends for them to shop for health plans on their own in the ACA market, mirroring the approach currently available through Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements.
• Nearly nine in 10 people with an employer-based plan wish they could bring their health insurance with them when they change jobs.

“With tens of millions navigating open enrollment for 2026, it’s critical that consumers understand their options,” Duke says. “Doing so can help them save time, potentially reduce costs and ensure access to quality care.”