74% of current beneficiaries worry about
the sustainability of the Medicare program
97% feel they are entitled to their
benefits, but 84% say significant changes will be needed to secure
Medicare for future generations
Only 12% are willing to see their benefits
or costs change today to ensure the program for future
generations
SANTA CLARA, Calif. ,
Aug. 7,
2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The long-term sustainability of
the Medicare program is a big concern for many of today's
beneficiaries but there are limits to what they are willing to
accept to maintain it, according to new original research published
today by eHealth, Inc. (Nasdaq: EHTH) (eHealth.com), a leading
online private health insurance marketplace.
Earlier this year, Medicare's Board of Trustees estimated that
the fund backing Medicare Part A will become insolvent and unable
to pay full benefits by 2031. eHealth's new survey of more
than 3,500 current Medicare beneficiaries found that 74% worry
about the long-term viability of Medicare. Nearly all (97%) feel
they are entitled to the benefits they receive today, but 84% say
significant changes must be made if the program is to survive for
future generations. Only 12% would accept increases in their
current costs or reductions in their benefits if such changes
ensured the sustainability of Medicare.
"After paying into Medicare for many years, current
beneficiaries justifiably feel they are entitled to the benefits
they've earned," said eHealth CEO Fran
Soistman. "Our new research shows that they are aware of,
and care about, the long-term financial challenge of funding
Medicare. However, it also highlights the challenges for elected
leaders who want to do something about it. My hope is that our
research published today helps bring valuable insights to the
conversation."
Additional highlights from the report:
- 76% of Democrat voters and 74% of Republican voters worry about
the sustainability of the Medicare program.
- 62% of Republican voters give the government a D or F grade for
working to secure the future of Medicare, but 73% of Democrat
voters give the government an A, B, or C grade.
- 25% of those earning under $25,000 per year are "very worried" about the
future sustainability of Medicare, compared to only 12% of those
with an annual income over $100,000.
Read the full report.
eHealth's report is based on a voluntary survey of 3,582
beneficiaries who enrolled in Medicare plans through eHealth, with
coverage in effect at the time of the survey, which was conducted
in June of 2023. Additional methodology information is provided at
the end of the report.
About eHealth
For over 25 years, eHealth, Inc. (Nasdaq: EHTH) has expertly guided
American consumers with innovative technology and licensed advisor
support to help them find health insurance and related options.
Through its proprietary health insurance marketplace at
eHealth.com, eHealth has connected more than eight million members
with quality, affordable coverage. eHealth offers Medicare
Advantage, Medicare Supplement, Medicare Part D, individual,
family, small business, and ancillary plans from approximately 200
health insurance companies nationwide. For more information about
eHealth, please visit us at eHealth.com, or follow us on LinkedIn,
Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Media inquiries, please contact: pr@ehealth.com
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SOURCE eHealth, Inc.