Medicare Advantage Shoppers Saved $1,676 Annually in 2026, eHealth Analysis Shows
Event summary
- Medicare Advantage beneficiaries who compared plans via eHealth saved an average of $1,676 annually in out-of-pocket costs for 2026.
- 48% of Medicare Advantage enrollees were unaware of the annual Open Enrollment Period (Jan. 1–March 31, 2026).
- eHealth's AI-powered voice agent increased enrollment likelihood by 2.5 percentage points compared to traditional screeners.
- 88% of selected Medicare Advantage plans for 2026 had a $0 monthly premium, up from 87% in 2025.
- The average out-of-pocket maximum rose 7% from $5,749 in 2025 to $6,153 in 2026.
The big picture
eHealth's findings underscore the financial benefits of actively comparing Medicare Advantage plans, a critical dynamic as healthcare costs remain the top economic anxiety for Americans. The rise in $0-premium plans and AI-driven enrollment tools reflects broader industry shifts toward cost transparency and digital engagement. With 34 million Americans on Medicare Advantage, even small changes in plan selection behavior can have significant market-wide implications.
What we're watching
- AI Adoption
- How eHealth's AI-powered voice agent will scale and impact enrollment rates in future periods.
- Regulatory Scrutiny
- Whether CMS will adjust oversight of Medicare Advantage plans amid rising out-of-pocket maximums.
- Consumer Education
- The pace at which awareness of Open Enrollment improves among Medicare Advantage beneficiaries.