Public Policy

The objective of this report is to provide a nationwide perspective on cost and benefit trends in the individual health insurance market, based on an analysis of a large, geographically distributed sample of eHealthInsurance purchasers and products. The first Cost and Benefits of Individual Health Insurance Plans report was issued by eHealthInsurance in 2001. Licensed in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, eHealthInsurance is one of the few organizations with national source data that can best reflect consumer buying patterns and purchase prices in the non-group health insurance market

eHealth, Inc. (NASDAQ: EHTH), parent company of eHealthInsurance (http://www.ehealthinsurance.com), today released updated data on the cost of individually-purchased health insurance plans for individuals and families. The findings appear in The Cost of Individual and Family Health Insurance Plans 2009 Update, an internal evaluation of eHealth, Inc.'s data.

Chairman Thomas and Congressman Rangel, thank you for the opportunity to testify today and let me thank you both, and the Members of this Committee, for your interest in, and work on behalf of, the nation’s small businesses and uninsured. I am present today to tell you about the experience of eHealthInsurance with Health Savings Account-eligible health insurance plans and to provide information to help you address enhancements which may assist more individuals, families, and small businesses in taking advantage of these new plans.

Lack of consumer awareness of where to get health insurance, what it costs, and what options exist is a critical barrier that prevents many people from obtaining coverage in the individual market (coverage that can include family members). However, a recent study suggests that that three-fourths of the uninsured could find a policy for less than $2,000 per year and that one-third could find a policy for less than $1,000 per year. More widespread dissemination of accurate and transparent information on prices, options, and benefits could play a role in expanding insurance coverage.

Trying to protect consumers against fluctuations in individual private insurance premiums, many states have turned to such regulatory schemes as community rating. Vip Patel and Mark Pauly suggest an alternative: guaranteed renewability of health insurance policies for the next coverage term at class average rates.

Chairman Kennedy, it’s an honor to address a lifetime advocate for the poor and disadvantaged. Many of us rejoiced to see you recognized at the State of the Union Address for your bipartisan leadership on the education issue. May you receive more such recognition for bipartisan leadership on the issue of the uninsured.

Mr. Chairman and Congressman Rangel, thank you for the opportunity to testify today and let me thank you both, and the Members of this Committee, for your interest in, and work on behalf of the nation’s uninsured. I am present today to tell you about the experience of eHealthInsurance and, to whatever extent possible, provide information to you to help you address the pressing need to assist the uninsured in obtaining health care coverage.

Senator James Jeffords Chairman, Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions U.S. Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Mr. Chairman: On behalf of eHealthInsurance, we are pleased to join you, Senator Breaux, Senator Lincoln, Senator Frist and...