Survey Finds 57% of Americans Find Health Insurance Enrollment Stressful

Health insurance open enrollment season

84% of Americans say health insurance seems confusing by design

48% say they have used artificial intelligence (AI) to compare insurance choices

78% say healthcare affordability ranks among their top three voting concerns in the upcoming midterm election

INDIANAPOLIS /PRNewswire/ -- As millions of Americans shop for health insurance during the fall enrollment period, new research from eHealth (Nasdaq: EHTH) shows that choosing a plan remains a major source of stress for consumers, even as AI plays a larger role in healthcare decisions.

In a survey of more than 1,000 Americans, the online health insurance marketplace found the following:

• 84% of Americans believe the health insurance system is intentionally difficult to understand.
• 57% of Americans describe open enrollment as stressful, and 53% say selecting a health plan is as bad as, or worse than, filing federal taxes.
• 71% say they have kept the same health plan for several years simply to avoid the hassle of comparing options.
• 78% of likely voters say healthcare affordability is one of their top three priorities in the upcoming midterm elections.

“Open enrollment is a stressful period for many Americans because it can be hard to review, understand and choose the right plan for their needs,” said Derrick Duke, CEO of eHealth. “This research underscores the importance of better consumer education and support, since informed coverage decisions can improve access to quality care, support well-being and help protect people from unexpected medical bills.”

More findings from the report are below.

AI's role in healthcare and insurance

• 48% of Americans have used an AI tool to review health insurance options.
• 41% say it will take 10 years or more before AI can replace a doctor for medical advice, including 30% who say it never will.
• 22% believe AI can already replace doctors for medical advice.
• 67% of Americans who have used AI for medical advice say the guidance was sometimes wrong.
• 82% would support a law requiring a human review of any medical claim denied by an AI tool.

Barriers to getting medical care

• 58% of insured Americans have skipped or delayed care because of out-of-pocket costs.
• 46% have skipped or delayed care because they were unsure what their coverage included.

Affordable Care Act and employer-sponsored plans

• 68% of ACA enrollees worry they may not be able to find affordable coverage for 2027.
• 36% say their current ACA plan is unaffordable.
• 37% say their government premium subsidies were reduced between 2025 and 2026.
• 43% of Americans say they are familiar with Custom Health Options and Individual Care Expense, or CHOICE, arrangements, formerly ICHRA.
• 77% of people with employer-based coverage want their employers to offer a wider range of health insurance plans.

eHealth said the report is based on a census-balanced survey of more than 1,000 Americans from the general population. The survey was conducted in October 2026 using a third-party survey tool, with a margin of error of plus or minus 3%.

About eHealth

For nearly 30 years, eHealth, Inc. (Nasdaq: EHTH) has helped millions of Americans find healthcare coverage that fits their needs and budget by using data, artificial intelligence and a consumer-first approach to compare insurance options. As an independent licensed insurance agency and advisor, eHealth offers access to plans from more than 180 health insurers, including national and regional companies, and supports consumers through both working years and retirement. Its licensed agents help match consumers with the plans, services and support they need to live healthier and more financially secure lives. For more information, visit eHealth or follow the company on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and X.

eHealth media inquiries: [email protected]