An insurance broker’s role is to help you compare plans from multiple companies to find the right fit. Today, you can get that help in a few different ways. You can work with a dedicated, independent agent who gets to know your specific situation, or you can use a large, technology-driven online marketplace like eHealth. While both are brokers, the experience is very different. eHealth provides a do-it-yourself platform with a wide selection of plans from its partners. This article will explore how that platform works, what to consider when looking at eHealth Medicare plans, and how this approach differs from working with a personal agent.
Key Takeaways
- Understand eHealth is a Broker, Not an Insurer: Using eHealth is free because they are paid a commission by insurance companies. This means your actual coverage and claims are handled by the insurance carrier you choose, not by eHealth itself.
- Compare the Full Cost, Not Just the Premium: A low monthly premium can be misleading. Use the side-by-side comparison tools to check details like deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket maximums to get a true sense of what you’ll pay.
- Double-Check Your Options on Medicare.gov: eHealth only displays plans from its partner companies, so you might miss a better fit. Before enrolling, visit the official Medicare Plan Finder tool to see a complete, unbiased list of every plan in your area.
What is eHealth Medicare?
If you’ve started looking into Medicare plans online, you’ve likely come across the name eHealth. So, what is it exactly? Think of eHealth, also known as eHealthInsurance, as an online marketplace for health insurance. It’s a website where you can shop for and compare different plans from various insurance companies, all in one place. While they offer many types of health insurance, they have a significant focus on Medicare-related coverage, which is why their name pops up so often during research.
The main idea behind a platform like eHealth is to simplify the process of finding the right plan. Instead of having to visit ten different insurance company websites to see what they offer, you can view many of your options side-by-side. This can be incredibly helpful when you’re trying to make sense of the differences between plans, premiums, and benefits. On their site, you can explore a wide range of options, including Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Supplement (Medigap), and Part D prescription drug plans. It’s a tool designed to make the shopping experience more transparent and a little less overwhelming for people trying to find the best fit for their health needs and budget.
How eHealth Works as a Broker
It’s helpful to understand that eHealth is an insurance broker, not an insurance company. This means they don’t create the insurance plans or handle your claims. Instead, they act as a middleman, connecting you with the insurance companies that do. Their website functions as a large digital storefront where you can browse policies from many different carriers.
The process is pretty straightforward. You start by entering your ZIP code, and the site shows you the Medicare Advantage plans available in your specific area. From there, you can filter the results based on what’s most important to you, whether that’s the monthly premium, the plan type, or specific benefits like dental and vision coverage. This allows you to compare your options without the pressure of talking to a single company’s agent who can only sell their own products.
Services eHealth Provides
While many people know eHealth for its Medicare offerings, the platform provides a much broader range of health insurance products. This makes it a versatile resource if you or your family members have different insurance needs. Beyond Medicare, you can also find individual and family health plans, short-term medical plans for temporary coverage gaps, and standalone dental and vision insurance.
For those focused on Medicare, eHealth covers the main categories you’ll be considering. You can explore Medicare Advantage plans, which bundle your hospital, medical, and often prescription drug coverage into one plan. You can also shop for Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policies to help cover out-of-pocket costs, and standalone Medicare Part D plans if you need prescription drug coverage to go with Original Medicare.
eHealth’s Role in Your Enrollment
A common question is whether you have to pay to use eHealth’s services, and the answer is no. Using the website to compare plans and enroll is completely free for you. So, how do they make money? eHealth earns a commission from the insurance company when you sign up for a plan through their site. This is a standard practice for insurance brokers and doesn’t change the price you pay for your premium.
Beyond the website itself, eHealth also provides support from licensed insurance agents. If you get stuck or have questions, you can connect with an agent through online chat or over the phone. These agents can walk you through your options, help you compare the finer details of different plans, and assist you with the enrollment process. Their role is to provide personalized assistance to help you feel more confident in your decision.
What Medicare Plans Can You Find on eHealth?
Think of eHealth as a large online marketplace where you can browse and compare different types of Medicare plans from various insurance companies. Because it partners with many private insurers, you’ll find a wide selection of coverage options all in one place. This can be a helpful starting point to see what’s available, but it’s important to know exactly what types of plans you’re looking at. The main categories you’ll come across are Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement (Medigap), and Part D prescription drug plans. Each one works differently and covers different things, so understanding the basics is the first step to finding the right fit for your health needs and budget.
Medicare Advantage Plans
One of the main offerings on eHealth is Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans. These plans are an alternative way to receive your Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) benefits. Private insurance companies that are approved by Medicare offer these plans. They often bundle hospital, medical, and prescription drug coverage into a single plan. Many also include extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, like dental, vision, and hearing services. On eHealth, you can browse plans from different partner companies to see which ones offer the combination of benefits and costs that works for you.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans
You can also find Medicare supplement insurance (Medigap) policies on eHealth. These plans are designed to work alongside Original Medicare, not replace it. Their purpose is to help pay for some of the out-of-pocket costs that Medicare doesn’t cover, like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. If you find that the “gaps” in Original Medicare are a concern, a Medigap plan can provide more predictable costs and financial protection. eHealth allows you to compare Medigap policies from different insurers to see how they might help fill in those coverage gaps.
Part D Prescription Drug Plans
For those who stick with Original Medicare or choose a Medicare Advantage plan without drug coverage, a standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan is essential. Since Original Medicare doesn’t cover most prescription medications, Part D plans are the primary way to get help with these costs. eHealth’s marketplace includes a variety of these plans, each with its own list of covered drugs (called a formulary) and cost structure. You can compare different Part D plans to find one that covers the specific medications you take at a price you can afford.
Check Plan Availability by Location
Your location plays a big role in what plans are available to you. A great feature on eHealth is the ability to search for Medicare Advantage plans in your specific area just by entering your ZIP code. Once you see the results, you can filter them by the type of plan, the insurance company, monthly premiums, and specific benefits. This helps you narrow down the options quickly to find coverage that truly meets your personal needs. It’s a practical tool for cutting through the clutter and focusing on the plans that are actually an option for you.
How to Compare Plans on eHealth
Once you have a list of available plans, the next step is figuring out which one is right for you. This is often the most overwhelming part of the process, but eHealth provides several tools designed to make it simpler. The goal is to move beyond just the monthly premium and look at the complete picture of what a plan offers. You’ll want to consider everything from which doctors are in the network to how much you’ll pay for your specific prescriptions.
Think of it like organizing a messy closet. At first, it’s just a jumble of options, but once you start sorting things into categories—costs, benefits, provider networks—it becomes much easier to see what you have and find what you need. eHealth’s comparison tools act as your digital organizer. They line up the important details so you can see how different plans stack up against each other based on your personal priorities. Whether your main concern is keeping your current doctor, finding dental coverage, or minimizing out-of-pocket costs, these features help you focus on what matters most to your health and budget.
Key Comparison Features
eHealth’s platform is built around helping you see the important differences between plans. The main features are designed to give you a clear, organized view of your options where you can see plan details, costs, and ratings all in one place. If you get stuck, their benefit advisors are licensed insurance agents who can walk you through the process. This combination of digital tools and human support gives you a solid foundation for making a confident choice without feeling like you’re on your own.
Comparing Plans Side-by-Side
One of the most helpful features on the eHealth website is the side-by-side comparison tool. You can select a few different plans and see their key details arranged in columns, making it easy to spot the differences. The website clearly shows important information like how much you’d pay for doctor visits (copays), your estimated drug costs, and whether benefits like vision, hearing, or dental care are included. This direct comparison helps you weigh the pros and cons of each option without having to jump back and forth between different pages.
How to Filter and Sort Your Options
A long list of plans can feel daunting. The best way to start is by using filters to narrow your choices. After you search for plans in your area by entering your ZIP code, you can apply filters to sort the results. For example, you can view only certain types of Medicare Advantage plans (like HMOs or PPOs), see plans with a high star rating, or look for options that have a $0 monthly premium. Using these filters helps you quickly eliminate plans that don’t fit your needs, leaving you with a much more manageable list to review.
How Personalized Recommendations Work
As you use the site, eHealth may offer personalized recommendations. These suggestions are based on the information you provide, such as your prescription drugs or preferred doctors. By using data and digital tools, the platform aims to show you plans that are a good match for your specific health needs. Think of these recommendations as a helpful starting point. They can introduce you to plans you might have otherwise overlooked, but you should still review the details of any suggested plan to make sure it’s the right fit for you.
Tools to Compare Costs
Understanding the full cost of a health plan goes beyond the monthly premium. eHealth provides tools to help you see the bigger financial picture. When you compare plans, you can see estimates for what you’ll pay out-of-pocket. The comparison view shows details like copays for doctor visits and specialists, the annual deductible you’ll have to meet, and your projected costs for prescription drugs. Looking at these numbers helps you anticipate your total healthcare spending for the year, so you can choose a plan that truly fits your budget.
How Does eHealth Work?
Think of eHealth as a large online marketplace specifically for health insurance. It’s a digital broker that brings together plans from many different insurance companies into one place. This setup allows you to browse, compare, and enroll in various Medicare plans without having to visit multiple websites. It’s designed to simplify the process, but it’s helpful to understand what’s going on behind the scenes. From how they make money to the kind of support you can expect, here’s a closer look at their operations.
Is Their Enrollment Help Free?
Yes, using eHealth to shop for and enroll in a Medicare plan is completely free for you. You won’t encounter any hidden service fees or charges for using the comparison tools on their website or for speaking with one of their representatives. This is because eHealth, like other insurance brokers, operates on a commission-based model. The goal is to provide you with a straightforward way to explore your options without worrying about extra costs. This approach makes it an accessible resource for anyone trying to find the right Medicare coverage.
How eHealth Gets Paid
So if you’re not paying them, how does eHealth stay in business? It’s simple: eHealth is paid a commission by the insurance company whose plan you enroll in. For example, if you use their platform to sign up for a plan from Aetna or Humana, that company pays eHealth for connecting them with a new member. It’s important to know that this does not change the cost of your plan. Your monthly premium will be the exact same amount whether you enroll through eHealth or go directly to the insurance carrier.
Access to Licensed Insurance Agents
While eHealth offers a digital-first experience, they also provide access to human support. If you have questions or feel more comfortable talking through your options with a person, you can connect with one of their licensed insurance agents. You can typically reach them over the phone or through an online chat feature on their website. This service combines the convenience of online shopping with the personalized guidance of a professional. It’s a great resource if you run into a specific question about a plan’s details or just want to confirm you’re making the right choice.
Their Insurance Company Partnerships
The main advantage of a platform like eHealth is the wide selection of plans available. They partner with hundreds of private insurance companies across the country, including major national carriers like UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield, as well as many smaller, regional providers. These partnerships are what allow eHealth to offer a broad inventory of Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and Part D plans. This variety makes it possible to compare different types of coverage from different companies side-by-side in one convenient place.
Is Your Information Safe?
Handing over personal information online can feel risky, so it’s fair to ask if eHealth is a secure platform. As a licensed insurance broker, eHealth is regulated and must follow strict privacy and security rules. Most importantly, they are authorized by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)—the federal agency that oversees Medicare—to sell Medicare plans. This government oversight ensures they meet specific standards for protecting your sensitive personal and health information. You can be confident that your data is being handled by a legitimate and regulated entity.
What to Know Before Using eHealth
Using an online tool like eHealth can feel convenient, but it’s smart to understand how it works before you commit to a plan. Knowing the full picture helps you make a choice that truly fits your healthcare needs and budget. Think of it as looking under the hood before you buy the car. Here are a few key things to keep in mind as you explore your options on their platform.
Common Misconceptions
One of the biggest points of confusion is what eHealth actually is. It’s helpful to think of eHealth as an online marketplace or a digital storefront, not an insurance company. They don’t create or manage the health plans themselves. Instead, they provide a platform where you can browse and compare policies from different insurance carriers. When you buy a plan through their site, you are purchasing it from a company like Humana, Aetna, or another provider, and eHealth facilitates that sale. This distinction is important because your coverage, claims, and care will be handled by the insurance company you choose, not by eHealth.
Potential Downsides and Limitations
While eHealth offers a wide selection of plans, it’s crucial to know that they don’t show you every plan available in your area. Their listings are limited to the insurance companies they have partnerships with. This means you might miss out on a plan from another carrier that could be a better or more affordable fit for you. Additionally, because eHealth earns a commission from the insurance companies for selling their plans, there’s a possibility that their recommendations could be influenced by these financial relationships. It’s a business model to be aware of as you weigh your options and consider where you get your advice.
Other Places to Find Medicare Plans
If you want to see a complete, unbiased list of every Medicare plan available in your zip code, your best resource is the official source. The government’s Medicare Plan Finder tool on Medicare.gov is the most comprehensive search tool you can use. It includes all Medicare Advantage, Part D, and Medigap plans from every single company, not just a select group of partners. Using this tool ensures you have all the information you need to compare every option side-by-side. It’s a great way to double-check the market and feel confident that you’re not overlooking a better plan.
A Quick Note on Enrollment Periods
You can rest assured that eHealth is a legitimate and licensed organization. They are authorized by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to sell Medicare plans, which means they are required to follow all the official rules and regulations. This includes adhering to the strict timelines for Medicare enrollment periods. You won’t be able to sign up for a plan outside of these designated times, like the Annual Enrollment Period or a Special Enrollment Period, just because you’re using their website. They operate within the same framework as all other licensed agents and brokers.
When Can You Get Help?
If you have questions while browsing plans on eHealth, they do offer support. You can typically find a live chat feature on their website to connect with a representative for quick questions. They also have licensed insurance agents available to speak with over the phone. This can be helpful if you get stuck on a specific detail or need clarification about a plan’s benefits. While this support is available, it’s different from having a dedicated agent who gets to know your personal situation over time. For immediate, on-the-spot questions, however, their team is there to assist.
How to Get the Most Out of eHealth
Using an online marketplace like eHealth can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can find the information you need. The key is to use its features thoughtfully and understand its limitations. By taking a few extra steps, you can make sure you’re seeing a clear picture of your options and choosing a plan that truly fits your life.
Think of it as a starting point in your research. These tips will help you use the platform effectively and make a more informed decision about your Medicare coverage.
Use the Comparison Tools Effectively
eHealth’s main strength is its ability to show you multiple plans at once. When you land on the site, you’ll start by entering your ZIP code to see the plans available in your area. From there, don’t just scroll through the first few results. Take advantage of the filters to narrow down your options. You can sort plans by type (like HMO or PPO), monthly premium, and specific benefits. For example, if you know you need dental coverage or want a low copay for specialist visits, you can use the plan comparison tools to filter for plans that include those features. This helps you move past the noise and focus on what matters most to you.
Review Your Personalized Recommendations
As you explore, eHealth may offer personalized recommendations. These suggestions are often based on the information you provide and are presented by their benefit advisors. It’s helpful to know that these advisors are licensed insurance agents who are trained to match you with a plan based on your stated needs. They can compare options from the insurance companies eHealth partners with. While these recommendations can be a good starting point, think of them as just that—a starting point. It’s always a good idea to look at the underlying details of the suggested plans yourself to confirm they align with your health and budget requirements.
Look Closely at Plan Details
Once you’ve narrowed your list to a few plans, it’s time to examine the details. The side-by-side comparison view is particularly useful for this. Pay close attention to the numbers beyond the monthly premium. Look at the copays for primary care visits and specialist appointments, the annual deductible, and the maximum out-of-pocket costs. The summary should also clearly state if the plan includes prescription drug coverage (Part D) and extra benefits like vision, hearing, or dental care. According to Healthline, the site makes it easy to see these important details, so take your time on this step. A low premium might look appealing, but high copays could cost you more in the long run.
Know When to Contact Support
If you get stuck or have questions that the website can’t answer, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. eHealth provides a couple of ways to connect with a representative. You can use the online chat feature for quick questions or call to speak with one of their licensed insurance agents. This can be especially helpful if you’re trying to understand the fine print of a policy or want to confirm that your specific doctor is in a plan’s network. Getting a direct answer from a person can provide clarity and confidence before you make a final decision about your enrollment.
Double-Check Your Coverage
This is a crucial final step. Because eHealth is a broker, it only shows you plans from the insurance companies it has partnerships with. This means you might not be seeing every single Medicare plan available in your county. To get a complete view, you can cross-reference your findings with the official Medicare Plan Finder tool on Medicare.gov. This government site lists all available plans, giving you a comprehensive baseline for comparison. By doing this quick check, you can be sure you haven’t missed a plan from another carrier that might be a better or more affordable fit for your needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is using eHealth free? Yes, it is completely free for you to use. You won’t pay any fees to browse, compare, or enroll in a plan through their website. eHealth earns a commission from the insurance company you choose, but this doesn’t affect the price of your premium. You would pay the exact same amount for the plan whether you enrolled through eHealth or directly with the insurance carrier.
If I sign up for a plan on eHealth, is eHealth my insurance company? No, and this is a really important distinction. Think of eHealth as a digital marketplace or a storefront that shows you plans from many different insurance companies. When you enroll, your actual insurance provider will be the company whose plan you selected, such as Humana, Aetna, or Cigna. That company is who you will deal with for your medical care, claims, and customer service.
Does eHealth show every Medicare plan available in my area? It does not. While eHealth offers a very large selection of plans, it only shows options from insurance companies that it has a partnership with. This means there could be other plans available in your county that are not listed on their site. For a complete and unbiased list of every single plan, the official Medicare Plan Finder tool on Medicare.gov is the best resource.
Why should I use eHealth if I can just go to Medicare.gov? Many people find eHealth’s comparison tools and layout to be very user-friendly. The site is designed to help you filter options and compare plan details side-by-side in a clear format. They also offer support from licensed insurance agents who can answer questions over the phone or through online chat. It can be a great starting point for research, but it’s always wise to cross-reference your findings with the comprehensive list on Medicare.gov.
What kind of support can I get from eHealth if I have questions? If you get stuck while comparing plans or have a specific question about a policy, eHealth provides access to licensed insurance agents. You can connect with them through a live chat feature on the website or by calling their support number. These agents can help clarify plan benefits, check network details, and walk you through the enrollment process if you need assistance.