New Survey Says Americans Choose Between Healthcare and Basic Necessities

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New research reveals just how unhappy the average person is with America’s healthcare system.¹

It’s common knowledge that people are generally unhappy with healthcare in the United States, with the most common complaint being that it’s too expensive. Even with health insurance, many Americans feel like they can’t afford visits to the doctor’s or medicine. A new survey, however, provides a clearer picture not just what issues people have, but also the sorts of solutions they would consider.

eHealth Inc. released the results of the survey, which says that nearly seven-out-of-10 Americans would give the healthcare system a low grade.

In a press release, eHealth CEO Fran Soistman said, “Our latest original research shows that more than seven in ten Americans (72%) give the US healthcare system a grade C or lower. Within the past ten years, nearly half (46%) say they've had to choose between paying medical bills or paying for basic necessities. It's a sad commentary on the state of our healthcare system. In fact, a majority tell us that they are willing to reconsider key provisions of the 2010 Affordable Care Act (ACA), if it makes their coverage more affordable."

Soistman continued, "Newly appointed HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has proposed barring pharmaceutical companies from directly marketing to consumers, and our research shows most Americans agree with him. Two thirds (66%) tell us they would support a ban on drug advertisements, including a majority of both Democrat and Republican voters."

In November, after the results of the last presidential election were confirmed, eHealth conducted a similar survey, this time looking into American’s feelings about Medicare and its sustainability.²

In a press release issued at the time, Soistman explained, “Midway through Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period, many beneficiaries are grappling with significant cost increases and changes to their benefits, forcing them to shop for new plans. It can be challenging to choose the right Medicare plan for your personal needs and budget. However, as shown in our report, almost nine-in-ten beneficiaries say they feel more confident selecting a new Medicare plan when they work with a licensed health insurance agent."

Earlier this year, eHealth announced an employee healthcare solution designed to simplify group health plans.³ The product is called Iris, and it is an end-to-end individual coverage health reimbursement account (ICHRA).

In a press release issued at the time, Soistman said, “Like a fingerprint, every person's iris is unique, and so are their health needs. The conventional employer-sponsored model picks one plan for many employees. But one size doesn't fit all, or even most. With ICHRA, employers can potentially save an average of 17%1 on healthcare costs while enabling employees to choose the right health plan for their personal needs. ICHRA is also a great way to address the healthcare needs of geographically dispersed, seasonal, or mixed part-time and full-time workforces."

SOURCES

1. New eHealth Research Finds Americans are Unhappy with the US Healthcare System and Open to New Ideas. eHealth Inc. March 11, 2025. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-ehealth-research-finds-americans-are-unhappy-with-the-us-healthcare-system-and-open-to-new-ideas-302397920.html
2. Facing Increased Costs, 64% of Medicare Beneficiaries Express Higher Confidence in the Future of Medicare Under a Trump Administration. eHealth. November 19, 2024. Accessed March 11, 2025. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/facing-increased-costs-64-of-medicare-beneficiaries-express-higher-confidence-in-the-future-of-medicare-under-a-trump-administration-302309824.html
3. "Iris by eHealth" ICHRA Solution Makes Employer Health Benefits Affordable with Personalized Coverage for Employees. eHealth, Inc. January 29, 2025. Accessed March 11, 2025. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/iris-by-ehealth-ichra-solution-makes-employer-health-benefits-affordable-with-personalized-coverage-for-employees-302362943.html