With Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period Days Away, Higher Costs and Benefit Changes Top Beneficiaries' Concerns
eHealth's recent survey of over 1,200 Medicare beneficiaries reveals significant concerns ahead of the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). Key findings include:
- 73% worry about out-of-pocket costs
- 53% fear changes to plan benefits
- 50% are concerned about prescription drug coverage
The survey also shows that 84% of beneficiaries consider Medicare sustainability a top-three voting priority in the upcoming presidential election. Despite high satisfaction rates with current plans, only 30% have read their Annual Notice of Change letter. Given the potential for significant changes in 2025, 75% of beneficiaries support extending the AEP. eHealth CEO Fran Soistman emphasizes the need for more time and assistance during this period of change.
Un recente sondaggio di eHealth su oltre 1.200 beneficiari di Medicare rivela preoccupazioni significative in vista del Periodo di Iscrizione Annuale (AEP). I risultati principali includono:
- Il 73% è preoccupato per i costi a carico del paziente
- Il 53% teme modifiche ai benefici del piano
- Il 50% è preoccupato per la copertura dei farmaci prescritti
Il sondaggio mostra anche che l'84% dei beneficiari considera la sostenibilità di Medicare una priorità di voto tra le prime tre nelle prossime elezioni presidenziali. Nonostante i tassi di soddisfazione elevati con i piani attuali, solo il 30% ha letto la lettera di Notifica Annuale delle Modifiche. Dato il potenziale per cambiamenti significativi nel 2025, il 75% dei beneficiari supporta l'estensione dell'AEP. Il CEO di eHealth, Fran Soistman, sottolinea la necessità di più tempo e assistenza durante questo periodo di cambiamento.
Una reciente encuesta de eHealth a más de 1,200 beneficiarios de Medicare revela preocupaciones significativas de cara al Período de Inscripción Anual (AEP). Los hallazgos clave incluyen:
- El 73% se preocupa por los costos de bolsillo
- El 53% teme cambios en los beneficios del plan
- El 50% está preocupado por la cobertura de medicamentos
La encuesta también muestra que el 84% de los beneficiarios consideran la sostenibilidad de Medicare una de las tres principales prioridades de voto en las próximas elecciones presidenciales. A pesar de los altos índices de satisfacción con los planes actuales, solo el 30% ha leído su carta de Aviso Anual de Cambios. Dado el potencial de cambios significativos en 2025, el 75% de los beneficiarios apoya la extensión del AEP. El CEO de eHealth, Fran Soistman, enfatiza la necesidad de más tiempo y asistencia durante este período de cambios.
eHealth의 최근 1,200명 이상의 Medicare 수혜자를 대상으로 한 설문조사는 연례 등록 기간(AEP)을 앞두고 상당한 우려를 나타냅니다. 주요 발견 사항은 다음과 같습니다:
- 73%가 본인 부담 비용에 대해 걱정하고 있습니다
- 53%는 플랜 혜택의 변화에 대해 두려워하고 있습니다
- 50%는 처방약 보장에 대해 걱정하고 있습니다
설문조사에 따르면 84%의 수혜자가 Medicare의 지속 가능성을 다가오는 대통령 선거에서 가장 중요한 투표 우선 사항 중 하나로 고려합니다. 현재의 플랜에 대한 높은 만족도에도 불구하고, 30%만이 연례 변경 통지서를 읽은 적이 있습니다. 2025년에 중요한 변화가 있을 가능성을 감안할 때, 75%의 수혜자가 AEP 연장을 지지합니다. eHealth의 CEO인 Fran Soistman은 이 변화의 시기에 더 많은 시간과 지원이 필요하다고 강조합니다.
Un récent sondage d'eHealth auprès de plus de 1 200 bénéficiaires de Medicare révèle des préoccupations significatives avant la Période d'Inscription Annuelle (AEP). Les principaux résultats incluent :
- 73 % s'inquiètent des coûts à la charge du patient
- 53 % craignent des changements dans les avantages du plan
- 50 % sont préoccupés par la couverture des médicaments sur ordonnance
Le sondage montre également que 84 % des bénéficiaires considèrent la durabilité de Medicare comme une priorité de vote parmi les trois principales lors de la prochaine élection présidentielle. Malgré des taux de satisfaction élevés avec les plans en cours, seulement 30 % ont lu leur lettre de Notification Annuelle de Changement. Étant donné le potentiel de changements significatifs en 2025, 75 % des bénéficiaires soutiennent l'extension de l'AEP. Le PDG d'eHealth, Fran Soistman, souligne la nécessité de plus de temps et d'assistance durant cette période de changement.
Eine aktuelle Umfrage von eHealth unter über 1.200 Medicare-Leistungsberechtigten zeigt bedeutende Bedenken vor dem Anmeldezeitraum (AEP). Wichtige Ergebnisse sind:
- 73% machen sich Sorgen über die Kosten, die selbst getragen werden müssen
- 53% befürchten Änderungen an den Leistungsangeboten
- 50% sind besorgt über die Deckung von verschreibungspflichtigen Medikamenten
Die Umfrage zeigt auch, dass 84% der Leistungsberechtigten die Nachhaltigkeit von Medicare als eine der drei wichtigsten Wahlprioritäten bei der bevorstehenden Präsidentschaftswahl betrachten. Trotz hoher Zufriedenheitsraten mit den aktuellen Plänen hat nur 30% ihren jährlichen Änderungsbenachrichtigung gelesen. Angesichts potenzieller wesentlicher Änderungen im Jahr 2025 unterstützen 75% der Leistungsberechtigten die Verlängerung des AEP. eHealth-CEO Fran Soistman betont die Notwendigkeit von mehr Zeit und Unterstützung in dieser Übergangszeit.
- 92% of Medicare Advantage enrollees and 95% of Medicare Part D plan enrollees are satisfied with their current plans
- eHealth offers online tools and licensed insurance agents to help beneficiaries compare and choose plans
- 73% of beneficiaries are worried about increasing out-of-pocket costs
- 53% are concerned about changes to their Medicare plan benefits
- 50% are worried about their prescription drug coverage
- Only 30% of beneficiaries have read their Annual Notice of Change letter, indicating low awareness of upcoming changes
Insights
The upcoming Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is shaping up to be particularly challenging for beneficiaries. Key concerns include:
- Cost increases:
73% worried about out-of-pocket expenses - Benefit changes:
53% concerned about plan modifications - Drug coverage:
50% anxious about prescription drug benefits
These worries are justified, as many Medicare Advantage and Part D plans are expected to implement significant changes in 2025. The survey reveals a disconnect: while
The call for an AEP extension, supported by
The survey results highlight a critical intersection between healthcare and politics. With
This political focus underscores the need for comprehensive, long-term solutions to ensure Medicare's viability. The high satisfaction rates among current enrollees (
The potential for "one of the most disruptive Annual Enrollment Periods in years" suggests that policymakers and insurers must prioritize clear communication and support for beneficiaries. The low rate of beneficiaries who have read their Annual Notice of Change letter (
Medicare sustainability is a top-three voting issue for
In a survey of more than 1,200 Medicare beneficiaries, eHealth identified enrollees' top-three fears:
73% are worried about their out-of-pocket costs53% are worried about changes to their Medicare plan benefits50% are worried about their prescription drug coverage
"Many Medicare Advantage and Part D plan enrollees could see significant changes to out-of-pocket costs and core and supplemental benefits in 2025," said eHealth CEO Fran Soistman. "As our report shows, beneficiaries are worried about the future, not just their ability to pay for the rising cost of their healthcare, but also for the future of Medicare in general. Further, our research shows beneficiaries are overwhelmingly happy with their Medicare coverage and want to see that level of coverage continue without dramatic premium and out-of-pocket cost increases."
Additional highlights from the report:
- Medicare sustainability is on voters' minds:
84% of beneficiaries say that ensuring the future of the Medicare program is one of their top-three voting priorities in this year's presidential election. - Beneficiaries are satisfied with their coverage, but few are informed about changes coming in 2025:
92% of Medicare Advantage enrollees and95% of Medicare Part D plan enrollees are satisfied with their current plans but only three in 10 have read their Annual Notice of Change letter. - Beneficiaries want an Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) extension: Given the distraction of the presidential election and the late Thanksgiving holiday,
75% of beneficiaries would like to see AEP extended this year.
Mr. Soistman continued: "Earlier this year, eHealth encouraged CMS to consider an extension of this year's Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). This is a year of great change and with change comes confusion and stress. Several millions of Medicare beneficiaries may be looking for new 2025 plans this AEP. Between regulatory changes, plan and market exits, out-of-pocket cost increases, core and supplemental benefits reductions, and a packed calendar, they're going to need more time to review their options and get the personal assistance that only licensed agents can offer."
Read the full report.
Medicare's AEP for 2025 coverage is scheduled to run from October 15 through December 7, 2024. eHealth offers the following tips for beneficiaries:
- Review your current Medicare coverage: Find out if your costs or benefits are changing in 2025. Will your current plan still match your needs and budget?
- Compare your coverage options: Review 2025 Medicare plan options available in your local area, comparing costs, benefits, and provider networks.
- Take advantage of resources available to you: Online tools like those offered at eHealth.com can show you which plans will cover your prescriptions at an affordable price, and which are accepted by your preferred doctors.
- Get help from a licensed insurance agent: A licensed insurance agent can offer personal help and advice; it doesn't cost anything extra to work with an agent and there is no obligation to enroll.
- Don't procrastinate: Act early to avoid unnecessary stress and avoid long hold times to speak with a licensed insurance agent.
eHealth's new report is based on a voluntary survey of more than 1,200 Medicare beneficiaries who purchased Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D, or Medicare Supplement plans through eHealth, with coverage still in effect at the time of the survey. For additional methodology information, please refer to the full report.
About eHealth (NASDAQ: EHTH)
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SOURCE eHealth, Inc.
FAQ
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