From "A" to "F," how would you grade the US healthcare system?

We asked that question to 1,000 Americans, and in reply more than seven in 10 (72%) gave the US healthcare system today a grade C or lower. That’s just one of the surprising findings from original research published today by eHealth.

“Within the past ten years, nearly half (46%) say they’ve had to choose between paying medical bills or paying for basic necessities,” says eHealth CEO Fran Soistman. “It’s a sad commentary on the state of our healthcare system.”

Healthcare consumers are open to new ideas

Cost pressures are likely a big factor in survey respondents’ openness to reconsidering the way healthcare works in the US today.

For example:

• 57% say there’s too much government regulation in healthcare today
• 66% are open to a nationwide ban on drug company advertisements on TV and in other media

“Newly appointed HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has proposed barring pharmaceutical companies from directly marketing to consumers,” says Mr. Soistman, “and our research shows most Americans agree with him.”

Reconsidering key aspects of the ACA

Survey respondents are even willing to consider changes to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which reformed healthcare in the US after it was signed into law in 2010.

While most Americans agree with the ACA rule that prohibits anyone from being declined coverage due to pre-existing medical conditions, here are two changes they support:

• 56% say that people who maintain an unhealthy lifestyle should pay more for their health insurance coverage
• 83% say they should be able to pick a health plan that excludes benefits they don’t believe they’ll use, if it will save them money

Read eHealth’s full report for more information.