Many Americans underestimate the financial risks and complexity of Original Medicare 42% of beneficiaries are unaware of Original Medicare's standard 20% cost-sharing, and 88% of adults approaching age 65 are unaware of potential late enrollment penalties INDIANAPOLIS, Aug. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- With a record number of Americans soon making Medicare coverage decisions for 2027, new original research from eHealth (Nasdaq: EHTH) found most beneficiaries are confident in their knowledge of how the federal program works. Yet when asked for specifics about how Medicare works, most current beneficiaries — and even more Americans soon eligible for the program — struggle, with many unaware of the potential penalties for delayed enrollment or of cost-sharing requirements under Original Medicare.
