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Our November healthinsurance.com survey honed in on a number of timely topics amidst a busy time of year both inside and outside of the health insurance arena. Survey topics included: Health insurance plans and level of satisfaction Potential Supreme Court impacts on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) The 2021 Affordable Care Act (ACA) Open Enrollment Period The 2021 Medicare Open Enrollment Period COVID-19 and the holiday season Pulse Check of Health Insurance Plan Satisfaction Our survey uncovered that 83% of our respondents are satisfied with their current health insurance plans, while 17% are not satisfied with their plans due to costs, specifically with high monthly premiums, copays or deductibles. Others cited expensive prescription costs or their doctors being out of network as reasons they aren’t happy with their health insurance plans. We also asked respondents to name the one thing they wish they could change about their health insurance plans. Here’s what they said. 30% wanted lower monthly premiums. 26% wanted more coverage and benefits. 16% wanted lower deductibles. 11% wanted a larger or different network of doctors. 10% wanted lower copays. 7% wanted lower prescription drug costs. Consumer Insights On The Affordable Care Act (ACA) The 2021 open enrollment period for Affordable Care Act (ACA or Obamacare) plans is happening now through December 15, 2020. With this in mind, we asked survey participants about this fall enrollment period: 28% are likely to change their health insurance plans, while 22% are unsure of if they will change their plans. The remaining 50% will not make any changes during the ACA open enrollment period. Our survey also asked respondents to weigh in on ACA plan impacts in light of potential Supreme Court rulings. 76% were very concerned or somewhat concerned about the impact to their own healthcare coverage if the Supreme Court rules that the Affordable Care Act is unconstitutional. 66% of our respondents knew what it would mean to them if the Supreme Court reverses the Affordable Care Act. Shopping Around During The Medicare Open Enrollment Period Like the ACA open enrollment period, the 2021 Medicare Open Enrollment Period (also known as the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period) is underway, so our survey checked in to see if people plan to make any changes. Turns out, 42% of our respondents age 65 and up are considering changing their Medicare coverage during the Medicare Open Enrollment period. We also asked respondents under age 65 about Medicare coverage and concerns they have for their parents. 74% have encouraged their parents to increase their Medicare coverage during the Medicare Open Enrollment Period. 40% have discussed Medicare coverage options with their parents. COVID-19 Concerns Amidst The Holiday Season With the holidays quickly approaching and COVID-19 cases on the rise, we asked respondents about their holiday and shopping plans. 78% plan to support small businesses and buy local. 63% are comfortable attending in-person gatherings with friends and family. 59% plan to spend Thanksgiving with their families. 57% do not plan to shop in person on Black Friday. 50% cited COVID-19 concerns as the main reason to not visit with family during the holidays. Full November 2020 Survey Results Click here to download the full survey results. Our Survey Methodology The above survey results were gathered through a national survey of 1,000 U.S. adults on November 6-10, 2020. More Healthinsurance.com Surveys October 2020: Medicare Survey Gathers Insights on Medical Costs, Technology & More September 2020: U.S. Healthcare, 2020 Election and More August 2020: Multigenerational Perspectives on COVID-19 July 2020: Medicare Eligible Seniors Survey Findings: Technology, COVID-19, the 2020 Election and More June 2020: Healthcare Technology, Self-Care and More May 2020: Testing, Mental Health, and More April 2020: Economic Impacts and Health Insurance Trends March 2020: Telemedicine Usage During COVID-19

With the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) beginning October 15 each year, we made it a priority to get Medicare consumers ready with what they need to know, what actions they can take, and 2021 changes to Medicare. But first, we had to get a sense of how beneficiaries were feeling about their current Medicare plans, including healthcare costs, and how it impacts their plans for Medicare Open Enrollment. October Survey: An Eye on Medicare Open Enrollment Our healthinsurance.com Medicare survey revealed that 84% of our Medicare eligible respondents feel good about their current Medicare plans. Meanwhile, 34% of Medicare eligible seniors are not sure if they will change their Medicare plans during AEP, while 15% are likely to change their plan during AEP. Check out our Medicare survey recap to see more Medicare highlights and trends. News Spotlight: Preparing for Medicare Open Enrollment & Shopping for Medicare Plans Our October Newsmax guest column prepped those “uncertain” Medicare beneficiaries about things to think about if they’re unsure if they should update their coverage or change plans during the Medicare Open Enrollment period. 5 questions Medicare beneficiaries can ask themselves include: Has my Medicare plan changed during 2020? Are my doctors still in-network? Has my health changed in any way? Have my prescriptions changed? Do I plan to take advantage of healthcare technology, like telehealth, in 2021? And now more than ever, question #5 is extremely relevant. In light of COVID-19, Medicare seniors are embrancing virtual healthcare benefits like telemedicine, ordering prescriptions online, and using wearables to monitor their health. Our 2020 Medicare survey also found that 78% of Medicare eligible respondents research their Medicare options online before making a final decision. That’s why our Fox News piece honed in on how to get started on evaluating your Medicare options. 3 tips for researching Medicare plans include: Visiting Medicare.gov for the most up-to-date information Using (free Medicare plan comparison sites)[https://medicare.healthinsurance.com/] to find Medicare plans in your area. These sites often generate free Medicare quotes with no obligation to enroll in a plan. Working with a licensed insurance agent to make sure you’re enrolled in the right plan for your needs. COVID-19 Updates Our healthinsurance.com surveys also consistently monitor COVID-19 trends and concerns. At the beginning of the pandemic, many Americans had to adjust to working from home - whether they needed to set up new home offices or find quiet spots to take calls while the kids play. Initially, many were anxious about making this adjustment, but that quickly changed. According to another recent healthinsurance.com survey, 49% of respondents felt that working from home is better for their overall health and wellness. Even more compelling: 40% would take a pay cut to continue working from home. The coronavirus pandemic also caused health insurance companies to adjust their benefits and coverage to include COVID-19 testing. But unfortunately, the pandemic also led to many people losing their jobs, and ultimately, their health insurance too. As a result, our Forbes article highlighted the two topics: our renowned appreciation for working from home and valuing our employer-sponsored health insurance coverage. Relevant Links & Resources Press Release: Tech-savvy seniors gear up for Medicare Annual Enrollment October 2020 Survey: Medicare Survey Gathers Insights on Medical Costs, Technology & More 2020 Medicare Open Enrollment Tips: Consumer Guide to the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period Looking Ahead: Summary of 2021 Changes to Medicare

The Medicare Open Enrollment Period coupled with the 2020 Presidential Election created a prime opportunity to launch our latest healthinsurance.com survey that reached 1,000 U.S. adults over age 65. Survey topics focused on: Medicare Open Enrollment Medicare Healthcare Costs Telemedicine During COVID-19 Technology and Social Media Usage Among Seniors The 2020 Presidential Election Here are some key Medicare survey findings broken down by category. 2021 Medicare Open Enrollment The Medicare Open Enrollment period prompts Medicare beneficiaries to review their Medicare coverage on an annual basis. During the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, Medicare beneficiaries have the option to: Change from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan. Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another. Disenroll from a Medicare Advantage plan and go back to Original Medicare. Change from one prescription drug plan (Medicare Part D) to another. Enroll in a prescription drug plan. Cancel prescription drug coverage. With these decisions in mind, our Medicare survey uncovered that: 84% are confident that they are enrolled in the right Medicare plan. 70% have never adjusted their Medicare coverage, while 34% are not sure yet if they are going to change or adjust their Medicare coverage during open enrollment. 44% say selecting a plan that accepts their doctors is most important when choosing a Medicare plan, while 27% say selecting a Medicare plan with low monthly premiums & copays is most important. Medical Cost Concerns for Medicare Beneficiaries 82% think prescription drug prices are too high. 54% are worried about the cost of healthcare if they contracted COVID-19. Telemedicine Usage Among Medicare Beneficiaries 94% of Medicare beneficiaries hadn’t used telemedicine before COVID-19. 71% of seniors on Medicare increased their telemedicine usage during the coronavirus pandemic. 42% will continue to use telemedicine on a regular basis when the pandemic is over. Seniors Are Getting Social 52% seniors use Facebook everyday. 39% seniors have gone to a restaurant over the past month. 26% seniors have attended in-person gatherings with their families within the past month. The 2020 Presidential Election 82% say this is the most important presidential election of their lifetime. 49% say the U.S. Supreme Court vacancy makes them more concerned about the U.S. healthcare system. Full Medicare Survey Results Click here to download the full Medicare survey results. Our Medicare Survey Methodology The above Medicare survey results were gathered through a national survey of 1,000 U.S. adults over age 65 on October 1-6, 2020. The survey has a margin of sampling error of +/1 3.1 percentage points. Explore More Healthinsurance.com Surveys September 2020: U.S. Healthcare, 2020 Election and More August 2020: Multigenerational Perspectives on COVID-19 July 2020: Medicare Eligible Seniors Survey Findings: Technology, COVID-19, the 2020 Election and More June 2020: Healthcare Technology, Self-Care and More May 2020: Testing, Mental Health, and More April 2020: Economic Impacts and Health Insurance Trends March 2020: Telemedicine Usage During COVID-19

Our latest national consumer survey reaching 1,000 registered voters measured feelings about the U.S. healthcare system, the U.S. economy during the coronavirus pandemic, the 2020 Presidential election and telemedicine. The survey comes at a crucial decision-making time of the year when the U.S. Presidential election, health insurance open enrollment period, and the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period are fast approaching for many Americans. The United States Healthcare System When rating the U.S. healthcare system: 36% said fair. 27% said good. 24% said poor. 11% said excellent. 2% were unsure. When asked if our healthcare system has changed for the better or worse due to COVID-19: 45% felt it was unchanged. 33% felt it was worse. 14% said it was better. 8% were unsure. Also of note, 69% said giving more control to patients and doctors is the key to improving the United States healthcare system. Meanwhile, 11% chose giving more control to government officials and bureaucrats. And 20% were not sure how to improve it. Participants were also asked about the quality of U.S. healthcare services since the Affordable Care Act (ACA or “Obamacare”) was enacted: 31% said the quality of healthcare has gone down, while 29% said it’s gone up. Lastly, 84% of our respondents said the cost of all health care services, procedures, and medications should be made available in advance to patients. The 2020 Presidential Election Our survey also honed in on what’s most important to people in the 2020 U.S. Presidential election: healthcare reform, the economy, civil rights, law and order, government corruption, and our response to COVID-19. Here’s how our participants responded: 95% said the U.S. economy is an important issue. 91% said government corruption is an important issue. 88% said our nation’s response to COVID-19 is an important issue. 88% said healthcare reform is an important issue. 86% said civil rights is an important issue. 85% said law and order is an important issue. Health Insurance in the United States Our survey also gauged feelings on an array of health insurance and employment topics, including consumer feelings about health insurance, a proposal to ban private insurance, and COVID-19 impacts on health insurance. When it comes to our respondents’ feelings on their health insurance: 38% rated their health insurance as good. 26% rated their health insurance as excellent. 23% rated their health insurance as fair. 10% rated their health insurance as poor. And when asked what type of health insurance has the best medical care coverage: 40% said employer-sponsored coverage. 21% said Medicare. 19% were unsure. 12% said Medicaid. 9% said Obamacare. Of note, 25% of our respondents have lost or know someone who lost their health insurance during COVID-19. For those who are employed, 38% are reluctant to switch jobs right now because they want to keep their current health insurance. Last but not least, the survey gauged a possible proposal to ban all private health insurance companies and require every American to get their coverage through the federal government. When asked about this concept, 15% of respondents strongly favored the proposal, while 35% were strongly opposed. As for the rest of the group, 19% were somewhat in favor and 18% were somewhat opposed to the proposal. Employment and Working From Home Our national survey also covered what’s important when considering or accepting a new job. In the “very important” category: 78% said salary. 66% said health insurance. 49% said time off. 33% said working from home. Although working from home has the lowest percentage on the “very important” scale, it turned out to be top-of-mind for some respondents. 49% felt that working remotely is better for overall health and well-being, and 40% would take a pay cut to work from home. Pulse Check on COVID-19 Testing Over the course of our survey series, we’ve gathered opinions about Coronavirus testing. Here are the latest findings: 60% were not worried about the cost of Coronavirus treatment - a decrease from the percentage we’ve seen over the past few months. 52% thought frequent COVID-19 testing is the best way to control the spread. 52% thought every child should be tested for COVID-19 on a weekly basis. The Latest on Telemedicine Telemedicine use during the coronavirus pandemic is another topic we’ve kept an eye on. In our latest survey, 79% had not used telemedicine prior to the pandemic, but 43% have used telemedicine during the pandemic. While highlighting several advantages of telemedicine versus visiting a doctor in person, we asked our respondents which telemedicine perk is most appealing to them. 55% said avoiding the waiting room. 47% said convenient scheduling. 47% said the wait times were better. 38% said getting care from home. Full Current Events in the United States Survey Results Click here to download the full results. Our Survey Methodology The above survey results were gathered through a national survey of 1,000 registered voters, which was conducted September 4 - 8, 2020. The survey has a margin of sampling error of +/- 3.1 percentage points. See More Healthinsurance.com Surveys August 2020: Multigenerational Perspectives on COVID-19 July 2020: Medicare Eligible Seniors Survey Findings: Technology, COVID-19, the 2020 Election and More June 2020: Healthcare Technology, Self-Care and More May 2020: Testing, Mental Health, and More April 2020: Economic Impacts and Health Insurance Trends March 2020: Telemedicine Usage During COVID-19

Did you know that 66% of people who file for bankruptcy cite medical issues as a key contributor to their financial downfall? It's no wonder why rising healthcare costs continue to be a hot topic of conversation. So finding creative ways to save on healthcare costs should be top of mind for you. Whether you have Medicare, coverage through your employer, or insurance through the marketplaces, here are 9 ways to save on medical costs. 1. Incorporate Healthy Habits Finding ways to improve your general health and wellness can lower your out-of-pocket health care costs. After all, fewer trips to the doctor means fewer copays and less money spent on healthcare. Here are 4 simple actions you can take to live a healthier lifestyle. Less sugar, more water. Drink plenty of water and eat foods high in water: Think cucumbers, watermelon and celery. Sit less, more movement. Stand up throughout the day, stretch, take the stairs, and park further away: These are just a few ways to move more. Get rest. When thinking of healthy habits, sleep often falls low on the list. But chronic sleep deprivation can increase heart disease, diabetes, stroke, obesity, and many other illnesses. Wash your hands. The coronavirus pandemic serves as a major reminder to wash our hands frequently and correctly. Wash your palms, fingernails, and the backs of your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds. 2. Reduce Stress Stress often increases with age, leading to a host of health problems. Finding ways to lower your stress can go a long way. There are many simple ways to reduce stress in your daily life. Try things like working out or moving daily, spending more time with friends and family, and reducing your caffeine intake. And don't forget to laugh more. 3. Save Money on Medications The cost of prescription drugs can really take a lot out of your wallet. So if you're used to getting brand-name medications, consider asking your doctor for a generic alternative. It could save you money in the long run. For seniors especially, the cost of medications continues to rise at an alarming rate. One of the simplest ways for seniors to save is to find and compare Prescription Drug Plans (Medicare Part D). Start by comparing quotes, or talking to an insurance agent who is willing to research the medications you take. The right agent will have knowledge of all the pharmacies close to your home and plans available in your area. He or she can also help you identify ways to save on your prescriptions. 4. Use a Health Savings Account (HSA) You may have access to a Health Savings Account (HSA) through your employer (or previous employer). Using an HSA can save you money because your contributions are pre-tax dollars and can accrue interest. And unlike a Flexible Savings Account (FSA), the HSA is owned by you, so it can carry over into your retirement. And there is no deadline on when you can spend the funds. 5. Know The Difference Between Emergency Care and Urgent Care Some people don't know the difference between emergency care and urgent care. But knowing which option to use in a given situation can save you money: Emergency room visits can cost far more than urgent care center visits. Your initial reaction might be to go to the ER when you need medical treatment but can't see your primary care doctor. But in many cases, an urgent care facility will serve you just as well at a lower cost. Start by keeping a list of nearby ERs and urgent care centers handy. An urgent care visit is good for a minor illness or injury, but if your condition is life-threatening, always go to the ER. You might also consider going the telemedicine route, which entails talking to a doctor online, rather than going to an in-person appointment. Telemedicine usage also gained momentumduring the coronavirus pandemic. Overall, turning to telehealth may not only reduce your healthcare costs - it could save you time and keep you out of the waiting room. 6. Ask If All Tests Are Necessary You may think that doctor-ordered tests are standard protocol, but those tests could get expensive fast. Be sure to ask your doctor if all diagnostic tests are necessary for your health. Don't be afraid to ask your doctor if all diagnostic tests are necessary for your health. Here are some questions to get the conversation started. Why is the test being done? What steps does the test involve? How long will it take to get the results? What will the test cost? 7. Request Outpatient Services When Possible Did you know that some inpatient procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis? Often, doctors choose to have a procedure performed on an inpatient basis, simply for the convenience of the patient and the medical staff. Many procedures do require a medically supervised period of recovery, but not all of them. There's nothing wrong with asking your doctor if a procedure can be performed in an outpatient clinic rather than at the hospital. If so, the savings can be significant. 8. Choose Your Doctors Wisely Just because a physician or facility accepts your health insurance or Medicare plan doesn't mean that your costs will be controlled. If you're on Medicare, consider these two steps: First, check if the provider accepts assignment. This means that the provider has agreed to accept the Medicare-approved amount as full payment for services. If your provider doesn't accept assignment, then your out-of-pocket costs may be higher. Second, choose the right doctor for you. The ideal provider has specialized experience with those age 65 and over, which can save you repeated visits to the doctor. One way to shop around for doctors and specialists is through the physician compare feature on Medicare.gov. You can use this tool to compare providers in your area, or you may opt to discuss the topic with a licensed insurance agent. In general, researching and shopping around for the right healthcare provider could save you money over time. 9. Use Your Medicare Benefits It may sound contradictory, but going to the doctor can ultimately lower your healthcare costs. Most insurance plans, including Medicare Advantage, come with certain wellness benefits. Getting regular physicals and patient-specific tests can uncover minor health problems before they become major ones. Let's say a man gets a routine PSA blood test done, which reveals the possibility of low-grade prostate cancer. Early intervention makes the treatment cost far less early on, resulting in fewer trips to the doctor and fewer copays. In other words: lower cost. You Can Save On Healthcare Costs Bottom line: Don't be afraid to do your research, ask the right questions, and incorporate healthy habits to decrease healthcare costs. You can also find more tips to avoid medical debt in this article.

Telemedicine usage, financial insecurity, healthcare technology, and a digital detox: These are just some of the topics we covered in our most recent healthinsurance.com COVID-19 survey. But this time, we heard from a multigenerational mix of millennials, Generation X, and Baby Boomers. And the results were pretty eye-opening. Multigenerational Survey Highlights Telemedicine Usage and COVID-19: Now vs. Then Across the three generations, 60% are more comfortable with using telemedicine now than they were six months ago overall. Gen X stood out as the age group that was the most comfortable with using telemedicine. 54% of our multigenerational respondents plan to use telemedicine with the coronavirus pandemic is over. Once again, GenXers were most receptive to this virtual healthcare alternative. 52% have had their doctors encourage a telemedicine appointment versus an in-office visit. COVID-19 and the Digital World Across the three generations, 71% of our respondents have found themselves on the computer or phone more frequently during the pandemic. So it’s no surprise that 39% feel they need a “digital detox” now more than ever. Millennials, especially, felt the need to take a break from scrolling Instagram feeds or sending memes to friends: 51% would take the digital detox. And how about the use of streaming devices, social media platforms, wearables, and online retailers during COVID-19? Here are the popular picks across the three generations: Binge Watching: 27% are watching their favorite shows from their Smart TVs. Social Media: 61% are using Facebook the most. And it’s especially a fan favorite for 75% of our Baby Boomer respondents. Wearable Technology: 47% use wearables to monitor their health. 25% of them are using the Apple Watch to track their fitness activity. Online Shopping: 72% are shopping online more frequently than they did before the pandemic. (Our guess is Amazon, Instacart, and maybe a little UberEats). Coronavirus Vaccine, Masks and More Across the three generations, 87% are comfortable having their temperatures checked before entering an establishment. 69% will get a COVID-19 vaccine once it becomes available. 41% feel that masks are the most effective way to prevent the spread of coronavirus. The State of Healthcare, Economy and Finances During COVID-19 Across the three generations, 82% feel the U.S. healthcare system is broken, and 35% feel it will take 2 years for our economy to recover from COVID-19. 77% have made efforts to support small businesses during COVID-19, while 53% feel that small businesses will recover after the pandemic. 51% have experienced financial insecurity due to COVID-19, which could be why 43% have put off medical care due to cost concerns. Full Multigenerational Survey Results Click here to download the complete multigenerational survey results broken down by generation. Multigenerational Survey Methodology The above multigenerational survey results were gathered through an online poll of 1,595 Americans aged 24-74. The poll was conducted August 6-7, 2020, gleaning representative samples from each state based on population. Samples were weighted for even sample results for Millennials (ages 24-39), Gen X (ages 40-55) and Baby Boomers (ages 56-74). Percentages have been rounded to the nearest full percentage point. Explore More Healthinsurance.com Survey Findings July 2020: Medicare Eligible Seniors Survey Findings: Technology, COVID-19, the 2020 Election and More June 2020: Healthcare Technology, Self-Care and More May 2020: Testing, Mental Health, and More April 2020: Economic Impacts and Health Insurance Trends March 2020: Telemedicine Usage During COVID-19

Our previous healthinsurance.com surveys have paid close attention to how COVID-19 is impacting our economy, mental health, telemedicine usage, self-care and more. But our most recent survey focuses on an important group: Seniors. In our Medicare Eligible Seniors survey, more than 1,000 Americans ages 64 and up weighed in on life during the Coronavirus pandemic, their use of technology, their Medicare plans, their feelings toward the 2020 election, and more. Medicare Eligible Seniors Survey Results One important takeaway from this survey is that seniors are embracing technology in new ways during the coronavirus pandemic. More than half of the respondents agreed that they have been using technology more during the pandemic. Seniors are using technology for the following: Healthcare: they are receiving virtual care through telemedicine, ordering prescriptions online and monitoring their health through wearables. Information: they are using social media to stay informed on relevant news. Communication: they are staying in touch with family and friends via texting, phone calls, video chat, and social media. Entertainment: they are binge watching their favorite shows on smart TVs and streaming devices. Technology Use Among Seniors in 2020 89% have a smartphone 83% use Facebook the most 75% have a smart TV or streaming device 73% use social media 68% have an iPad or other type of tablet 66% still have cable TV 61% feel they have embraced technology more during the COVID-19 pandemic 54% video chat with their kids and grandkids 50% have video chatted more since the start of COVID-19 47% binge watch shows 43% would wear a device that helped maintain appropriate social distance during the COVID-19 pandemic and alert others if they are too close 42% prefer talking on a cell phone as their method of communication 32% video chat with their friends 30% use social media to staying in touch with friends 29% prefer texting as their method of communication 28% monitor their health using a wearable (Apple Watch, Fitbit, etc.) 22% use social media to stay in touch with family 21% use social media for news 11% started using a smartphone or tablet during the pandemic Life During COVID-19 64% have only left the house to go food shopping or to the pharmacy during COVID-19 62% have you seen their kids or grandkids in person since mid-March 54% have put off a dentist appointment because of COVID-19 27% have left their house whenever they wanted during COVID-19 2020 Medicare Usage and Preferences 97% say their doctor accepts Medicare 84% are not looking to switch doctors because they don’t accept medicare 69% with a Medicare Advantage plan are happy with it 51% think the age to be eligible for Medicare should be lowered to 60 39% look for a Medicare a plan that accepts their doctor 37% think seniors who have a Medicare Advantage plan and who contract COVID-19 are getting better care 26% look for a Medicare plan with low monthly premiums and copays 26% intend to switch from an Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan in the next enrollment period 22% look for a medicare plan that has extra benefits (ie. dental, vision, hearing, fitness programs) 22% intend to change their prescription drug plan in the next enrollment period 20% plan to adjust their Medicare plan during the next annual enrollment period (Oct. 15 - Dec. 7) 12% used the special enrollment period to enroll in Medicare during COVID-19 Prescription Drugs 89% think prescription drug prices are too high 36% spend more than $50 a month on prescription drugs 34% order prescriptions from an online pharmacy Medical Costs 66% are worried about out-of-pocket costs 62% are you worried about receiving an unexpected medical bill 50% have money set aside for their children or family to use for their health needs 36% have put off seeing a doctor because of cost 35% are worried about contracting COVD-19 because they may be hit with a surprise bill Telemedicine Usage 68% of those who haven’t used telemedicine during COVID-19 say its because they haven’t needed to 58% have used telemedicine just once during COVID-19 44% have used telemedicine during COVID-19 43% intend on using telemedicine once COVID-19 passes 30% have used telemedicine once a month during COVID-19 10% used telemedicine before COVID-19 The 2020 Presidential Election 92% say lowering drug prices is an important topic in the upcoming election 84% haven’t seen the country more divided in their lifetime than it is now 68% say the economy and healthcare are the two most important issues to them in the 2020 election 58% will vote via mail-in ballot in November 42% will vote in person in November Methodology The above results were gathered through an online poll of more than 1,000 Medicare eligible Americans ages 64+. The poll was conducted from July 20, 2020 to July 21, 2020, gleaning representative samples from each state based on population. Explore More Healthinsurance.com Survey Findings June 2020: Healthcare Technology, Self-Care and More May 2020: Testing, Mental Health, and More April 2020: Economic Impacts and Health Insurance Trends March 2020: Telemedicine Usage During COVID-19

With headlines buzzing about healthcare, politics and the recent spike in COVID-19 cases, our latest healthinsurance.com survey reached people nationwide at a very crucial time. More than 1,100 respondents answered questions about the following topics: The 2020 Election and Healthcare General Medical Costs COVID-19 Testing and Costs COVID-19 Prevention and Protection COVID-19 and the Social Scene COVID-19 and the Workplace COVID-19 and Telemedicine (Virtual Care) COVID-19 and Insurance Coverage The 2020 Election, ACA and Healthcare Top Takeaway 60% of respondents are willing to risk their health to vote in person in November. And our respondents shared an even split of what topic is most important in this year’s election: 50% said healthcare and 50% said the economy. Complete Breakdown 88% think the Affordable Care Act (ACA or Obamacare) is still in effect today. 66% feel less confident in the quality of U.S. healthcare thanks to COVID-19. 62% understand what it means to those with ACA plans if the Supreme Court strikes it down. 37% feel that health insurance should not be a political issue. 32% think the ACA should be struck down by the Supreme Court. Taking the Pulse of Medical Costs Top Takeaway 56% of respondents have avoided medical treatment due to cost. Complete Breakdown 93% think medical costs in the U.S. are too high. 93% think prices for medical procedures should be transparent like food pricing in the grocery store. 92% think prescription drug prices in the U.S. are too high. 64% think they pay too much for health insurance. COVID-19 Testing and Costs Top Takeaway 32% of respondents have had a hard time or know someone who has had a hard time getting tested for COVID-19. Complete Breakdown 63% worry about the cost of COVID-19 treatment. 41% have tested positive for COVID-19 or know someone who has. COVID-19 Prevention and Protection Top Takeaway 74% of respondents think the U.S. needs another “pause” to contain the current spike in coronavirus cases. Complete Breakdown 89% are still taking precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 88% would comply if the U.S. has to shut down again to control the spread of COVID-19. 85% feel that masks help prevent the spread of COVID-19. 77% feel everyone should be required to wear a mask. 73% feel there should be a fine for not wearing a mask. COVID-19 and the Social Scene Top Takeaway 62% of respondents say they have witnessed guidelines not being followed while out in public places. Complete Breakdown 60% have been to a retail store or mall. 40% have been to a restaurant or bar. 37% have been to a beauty salon or barber shop. 14% have returned to their gyms. In terms of socializing with family, 52% have not seen their parents or grandparents since the pandemic began. Still, 66% would not travel via plane or train to see family and friends. COVID-19 and the Workplace Top Takeaway If given the options, 81% would work from home after the pandemic passes while 43% would take a pay cut to continue to work from home. Complete Breakdown 84% would express their concerns if their employer asked them to come back to work, but they weren’t ready to do so. 67% would not travel for work via plane or train if asked to do so. 53% are not comfortable with returning to their workplaces. 47% are having a hard time unplugging from their jobs, despite working from home. COVID-19 and Virtual Care Top Takeaway 43% of respondents have used telemedicine during COVID-19 - a notable increase from the 20% who used telemedicine before the pandemic struck. Complete Breakdown 70% feel that telemedicine and in-person appointments should be priced differently. 69% are hesitant about telemedicine with the concern that the care is not as good as an in-person visit. 60% would use telemedicine again after using it during the coronavirus pandemic. 56% say their doctors are offering virtual visits, and 35% have received correspondence about telemedicine from their health insurance companies. Our furry friends were also a topic of healthcare conversation: 20% have put off vet appointments due to COVID-19, but 49% would use televet appointments for their pets. 37% plan to stop allowing people to pet their dogs due to COVID-19 fears, and 17% worry that their pet could contract COVID-19. COVID-19 and Insurance Coverage Top Takeaway 54% of respondents say they don’t know what their health insurance options are if they lost their coverage. Complete Breakdown 56% currently have a life insurance policy and 30% have thought about purchasing one due to COVID-19. 49% are hesitant to switch jobs because they want to keep their employer-sponsored health benefits. 20% have lost their health insurance or know someone who has lost their health insurance coverage during COVID-19. Our Methodology The above results were gathered through an online poll of more than 1,100 Americans between the ages of 18-64. The poll was conducted from July 3, 2020 to July 6, 2020, gleaning representative samples from each state based on population. Explore More Coronavirus Trends and Surveys June 2020: Healthcare Technology, Self Care and More May 2020: Testing, Mental Health, and More April 2020: Economic Impacts and Health Insurance Trends March 2020: Telemedicine Usage During COVID-19

Coronavirus cases may be going down in certain parts of the U.S., with several cities allowing Americans to return back to work, head out to restaurants, and engage in somewhat “normal” activities. But the pandemic is still very much on the minds of many Americans, according to our most recent healthinsurance.com pulse survey. More than 1,000 Americans of all ages and demographics weighed in on the current state of healthcare technology, the economic landscape, health matters and a few random topics. Here’s a breakdown. Healthcare Technology in the Era of COVID-19 If there’s one COVID-19 silver lining, it’s new or enhanced - medical technology, including the rise of telemedicine, automated chatbots who give coronavirus updates, talking with a family member (sick or healthy) via Zoom, robots that clean hospital rooms, and so much more. To that end, the 3 survey findings stood out to us: 77% would consider wearing a device that could catch early signs of COVID-19 and/or monitor patients who have coronavirus. 54% have received COVID-19 updates and information via automated technology like text updates from their cities/counties or using a coronavirus self-checker chatbot on the CDC website. 27% have communicated with a family member in a hospital or nursing home via Zoom, FaceTime or telerobots. Self-Care and Staying Home During COVID-19 One of the most interesting things we learned is that people don’t feel guilty about taking time off despite working from home - which, to us, is a breath of fresh air. Taking the time to unplug from work could improve moods and mindsets now more than ever. After all, our survey found that the overall moods of our respondents is negative: A combined 78% feel angry, frustrated, sad or depressed, which could be a direct tie to the coronavirus pandemic mixed with economic stress and nationwide protests. Aside from that, this category yielded some other compelling results. 88% are still practicing social distancing. 41% feel like they need some time off from work. 40% still plan to take their vacation time this summer, despite working from home. 31% say their self care has improved since working from home. 25% do not talk to anyone about their mental health. COVID-19 Testing and Vaccines As a general observation, protection from COVID-19 and the promise of a vaccine understandably remain top-of-mind for our survey respondents. 69% plan to wear a mask until there is a COVID-19 vaccine. 61% think children should continue with remote learning until there is a vaccine. 41% intend on being tested for COVID-19 antibodies. COVID-19 and the Economic Landscape Though it's an unfortunate national trend, it's no surprise: Americans continue to take an economic hit from COVID-19. 60% still don’t know their health insurance options if they were to lose their jobs during the pandemic. 60% don’t have enough money saved to cover medical bills if they contracted COVID-19. 41% are struggling to pay their monthly bills. Other Findings Have you lost your health insurance during the COVID-19 pandemic? Yes: 11% No: 89% Do you think health insurance is: A privilege: 32% A right: 68% Do you think the age to be eligible for Medicare should be lowered to 60? Yes: 59% No: 16% Unsure: 25% Has COVID-19 changed the way you use healthcare? Yes: 48% No: 52% Do you use a wearable to monitor your health (Fitbit, Apple Watch, etc.)? Yes: 41% No: 59% Should daily use of monitoring through wearable devices result in lower insurance premiums (similar to how drive safe apps work)? Yes: 63% No: 37% If you have a chronic condition during COVID-19, did your doctor give you any wearables or remote monitoring devices to help manage your condition and keep you out of the doctor's office? Yes: 16% No: 84% Have you had a COVID-19 antibody test? Yes: 11% No: 89% Do you think everyone should have to be tested for COVID-19 before going back to work? Yes: 66% No: 34% Will you stop worrying about contracting COVID-19 once there is a vaccine? Yes: 58% No: 42% Are you still practicing social distancing? Yes: 88% No: 12% Do you think there will be a second wave of COVID-19 in the U.S.? Yes: 84% No: 16% Have you paid more attention to your health since the pandemic began? Yes: 72% No: 28% Has your diet improved since the pandemic began? Yes: 27% No: 22% Stayed The Same: 51% Have you been exercising more or less since the pandemic began? More: 27% Less: 27% Stayed The Same: 46% Has your employer changed their vacation policy? Yes: 13% No: 46% N/A: 41% Do you feel guilty about asking your boss for time off work this summer even though you've been working from home? Yes: 14% No: 34% I haven't needed time off: 52% Are you still planning on taking your vacation time? Yes: 40% No: 23% N/A: 38% Have you had to cancel a vacation? Yes: 52% No: 48% If you have canceled a vacation, are you rescheduling? Yes 34% No 66% Methodology The above results were gathered through an online poll of more than 1,000 Americans between the ages of 18-64. The poll was conducted from June 8, 2020 to June 10, 2020, gleaning representative samples from each state based on population. Explore More Coronavirus Survey Findings May 2020: Testing, Mental Health, and More April 2020: Economic Impacts and Health Insurance Trends March 2020: Telemedicine Usage During COVID-19