eHealth (EHTH) 10-K 16 Mar 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	eHealth, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1333493
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		17,830,756
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$333,572,069
Trading Symbol	EHTH

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$51,415	$107,055
Accounts receivable	8,200	4,586
Deferred income taxes	386	4,459
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	6,474	8,364
Total current assets	66,475	124,464
Property and equipment, net	9,640	10,283
Deferred income taxes	0	4,569
Other assets	5,679	5,518
Intangible assets, net	10,774	7,496
Goodwill	14,096	14,096
Total assets	106,664	166,426
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	5,961	4,381
Accrued compensation and benefits	8,204	10,291
Accrued marketing expenses	8,707	8,227
Deferred revenue	869	1,784
Other current liabilities	2,996	2,561
Total current liabilities	26,737	27,244
Non-current liabilities	6,449	6,165
Commitments and contingencies (see Note 7)	0	0
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock: $0.001 par value; Authorized shares: 10,000,000; Issued and outstanding shares: none	0	0
Common stock: $0.001 par value; Authorized shares: 100,000,000; Issued shares 28,300,048 and 28,775,918 at December 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively; Outstanding shares: 18,780,762 and 17,830,311 at December 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively	29	28
Additional paid-in capital	259,007	252,361
Treasury stock, at cost: 9,519,286 and 10,945,607 shares at December 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively	-199,998	-149,998
Retained earnings	14,261	30,466
Accumulated other comprehensive income	179	160
Total stockholders’ equity	73,478	133,017
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$106,664	$166,426

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value per share	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value per share	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	28,775,918	28,300,048
Common Stock, shares outstanding	17,830,311	18,780,762
Treasury stock shares	10,945,607	9,519,286

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenue
Commission	$158,626	$153,383	$130,663
Other	21,051	25,797	24,810
Total revenue	179,677	179,180	155,473
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of revenue	4,494	5,461	4,783
Marketing and advertising	69,732	71,660	57,789
Customer care and enrollment	42,745	35,099	30,282
Technology and content	40,390	32,579	21,406
General and administrative	27,549	29,235	26,169
Amortization of intangible assets	1,529	1,414	1,615
Total operating costs and expenses	186,439	175,448	142,044
Income (loss) from operations	-6,762	3,732	13,429
Other income (expense), net	-98	-92	23
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes	-6,860	3,640	13,452
Provision for income taxes	9,345	1,917	6,370
Net income (loss)	-16,205	1,723	7,082
Net income per share:
Basic (in usd per share)	($0.88)	$0.09	$0.36
Diluted (in usd per share)	($0.88)	$0.09	$0.34
Weighted-average number of shares used in per share amounts:
Basic	18,367	19,145	19,867
Diluted	18,367	19,846	20,753
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of taxes	19	-25	5
Comprehensive income (loss)	($16,186)	$1,698	$7,087

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$155,674	$26	$215,364	($81,557)	$21,661	$180
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2011		25,777		5,894
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuance of common stock in connection with exercise of common stock options and release of vested restricted stock units, net of cash used to net settle equity awards	7,452	1	7,451
Issuance of common stock in connection with exercise of common stock options and release of vested restricted stock units, net of cash used to net settle equity awards, shares		1,229		62
Stock-based compensation expense	5,622		5,622
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	4,466		4,466
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of taxes	5					5
Repurchases of common stock, shares				-600
Repurchase of common stock	-9,434			-9,434
Net income	7,082				7,082
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	170,867	27	232,903	-90,991	28,743	185
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2012		27,006		6,556
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuance of common stock in connection with exercise of common stock options and release of vested restricted stock units, net of cash used to net settle equity awards	8,274	1	8,273
Issuance of common stock in connection with exercise of common stock options and release of vested restricted stock units, net of cash used to net settle equity awards, shares		1,294		52
Stock-based compensation expense	7,802		7,802
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	3,383		3,383
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of taxes	-25					-25
Repurchases of common stock, shares				-2,911
Repurchase of common stock	-59,007			-59,007
Net income	1,723				1,723
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	133,017	28	252,361	-149,998	30,466	160
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2013		28,300		9,519
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuance of common stock in connection with exercise of common stock options and release of vested restricted stock units, net of cash used to net settle equity awards	596	1	595	0
Issuance of common stock in connection with exercise of common stock options and release of vested restricted stock units, net of cash used to net settle equity awards, shares		476		72
Stock-based compensation expense	5,904		5,904
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	147		147
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of taxes	19					19
Repurchases of common stock, shares				-1,355
Repurchase of common stock	-50,000			-50,000
Net income	-16,205				-16,205
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$73,478	$29	$259,007	($199,998)	$14,261	$179
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2014		28,776		10,946

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]
Net income	($16,205)	$1,723	$7,082
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Deferred income taxes	9,163	-1,368	1,071
Depreciation and amortization	4,192	3,266	2,411
Amortization of book-of-business consideration	1,998	3,147	2,724
Amortization of intangible assets	1,529	1,414	1,615
Stock-based compensation expense	5,877	7,802	5,622
Deferred rent	154	927	176
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	-3,614	-118	3,587
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-550	-2,257	-1,097
Accounts payable	1,581	-1,742	3,732
Accrued compensation and benefits	-2,084	2,026	336
Accrued marketing expenses	480	4,285	-2,254
Deferred revenue	-1,143	885	979
Other current liabilities	401	957	-1,093
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,779	20,947	24,891
Investing activities
Purchases of property and equipment	-3,604	-7,326	-3,853
Consideration paid in connection with book-of-business transfers	0	0	-6,243
Purchase of intangible asset	-4,500	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-8,104	-7,326	-10,096
Financing activities
Net proceeds from exercise of common stock options	4,112	9,217	8,445
Cash used to net-share settle equity awards	-3,516	-943	-994
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	147	3,383	4,466
Repurchase of common stock	-50,000	-59,007	-9,434
Principal payments in connection with capital leases	-74	-53	-43
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-49,331	-47,403	2,440
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	16	-12	7
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-55,640	-33,794	17,242
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	107,055	140,849	123,607
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	51,415	107,055	140,849
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash activities
Capital lease obligations incurred	93	30	135
Settlement of receivables in connection with purchase of intangible asset	307	0	0
Supplemental disclosure of cash flows
Cash paid for interest	26	21	23
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds	$5	$53	$1,879

Summary_of_Business_and_Signif

Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary Of Business And Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies
	Description of Business—eHealth, Inc. (the “Company,” “eHealth,” “we” or “us”) is the leading online source of health insurance for individuals, families and small businesses in the United States. Through our website addresses (www.eHealth.com,  www.eHealthInsurance.com,  www.eHealthMedicare.com, www.Medicare.com and www.PlanPrescriber.com), consumers can get quotes from leading health insurance carriers, compare plans side-by-side, and apply for and purchase individual and family, Medicare-related, small business and ancillary health insurance plans. We actively market the availability of Medicare-related insurance plans and offer Medicare plan comparison tools and educational materials for Medicare-related insurance plans, including Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans.  Our ecommerce technology also enables us to deliver consumers’ health insurance applications electronically to health insurance carriers. As a result, we simplify and streamline the complex and traditionally paper-intensive health insurance sales and purchasing process. We are licensed to market and sell health insurance in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
	Principles of Consolidation—The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of eHealth, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”).
	Operating Segment—We operate in one business segment. See Note 8 – Operating Segments, Geographic Information and Significant Customers for additional information regarding our business segment.
	Use of Estimates—The preparation of consolidated financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the amounts reported and disclosed in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to, but not limited to, the useful lives of intangible assets, fair value of investments, fair value of our Medicare  books-of-business, recoverability of intangible assets, estimates for commission forfeitures, valuation allowance for deferred income taxes, provision for income taxes, our assessment whether internal use software and website development costs will result in additional functionality and the assumptions used in determining stock-based compensation. We base our estimates of the carrying value of certain assets and liabilities on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
	Cash Equivalents—We consider all investments with an original maturity of three months or less from the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are stated at fair value.
	Property and Equipment—Property and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Capital lease amortization expenses are included in depreciation expense in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). Depreciation and amortization is computed using the straight-line method based on estimated useful lives as follows:
	Computer equipment and software	3 to 5 years
	Office equipment and furniture	5 years
	Leasehold improvements	Lesser of useful life (typically 5 to 10 years) or related lease term
	Maintenance and minor replacements are expensed as incurred.
	See Note 2 – Balance Sheet Accounts for additional information regarding our property and equipment.
	Goodwill and Intangible Assets—Goodwill represents the excess of the consideration paid over the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business acquisition. We do not amortize goodwill or our other indefinite-lived intangible assets but test for impairment on an annual basis on or about November 30 of each year and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate a reduction in its fair value below its carrying amount.
	Intangible assets with finite useful lives, which include purchased technology, pharmacy and customer relationships, trade names, and certain trademarks, are amortized over their estimated useful lives and are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate a reduction in their fair values below their respective carrying amounts.
	Factors that we consider in deciding when to perform an impairment review include significant negative industry or economic trends or significant changes or planned changes in our use of the intangible assets. We measure the recoverability of assets that will continue to be used in our operations by comparing the carrying value of the asset grouping to our estimate of the related total future undiscounted net cash flows. If an asset grouping’s carrying value is not recoverable through the related undiscounted cash flows, the asset grouping is considered to be impaired. The impairment is measured by comparing the difference between the asset grouping’s carrying value and its fair value. Fair value is the price that would be received from selling an asset in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
	Goodwill and intangible assets are considered non-financial assets, and are recorded at fair value, subsequent to initial recognition, only when an impairment charge is recognized.
	We must make subjective judgments in determining the independent cash flows that can be related to specific asset groupings. In addition, we must make subjective judgments regarding the remaining useful lives of assets with finite useful lives. When we determine that the useful life of an asset is shorter than we had originally estimated, we accelerate the rate of amortization over the assets’ new, remaining useful life. We evaluated the remaining useful lives of our intangible assets with finite lives in the fourth quarter of 2014 and determined no material adjustments to the remaining lives were required.
	Book-of-Business Transfers—We have entered into several agreements with a broker partner, whereby the partner has transferred certain of its existing Medicare plan members to us as the broker of record on the underlying policies. The first of these book-of-business transfers occurred in November 2010 and the most recent in June 2012. Total consideration for these books-of-business amounted to $13.9 million, of which $6.3 million is related to transfers during 2012. Consideration for these books-of-business is included in Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets and in Other Assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The consideration, which was based on the discounted commissions expected to be received over the remaining life of each transferred Medicare plan member, is being amortized to Cost of Revenue in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) and is presented as Amortization of Book-of-Business Consideration in the consolidated statements of cash flows as we recognize commission revenue related to the transferred Medicare plan members. The amount of consideration we amortize to cost of revenue each quarter is proportional to the amount of commission revenue we recognize on the underlying policies each quarter in relation to the total amount of remaining commission revenue expected to be recognized. Amortization expense recorded to cost of revenue for these books-of-business for the years ended December 31, 2012,  2013 and 2014 totaled $2.7 million, $3.1 million and $2.0 million, respectively. Cash consideration paid in connection with the book-of-business transfers is presented under Investing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
	Other Long-Lived Assets—We evaluate other long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value.
	Revenue Recognition
	We recognize revenue for our services when each of the following four criteria is met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; delivery has occurred or services have been rendered; the seller’s price to the buyer is fixed or determinable; and collectability is reasonably assured. Our revenue is primarily comprised of compensation paid to us by health insurance carriers related to insurance plans that have been purchased by a member who used our service. We define a member as an individual currently covered by an insurance plan, including individual and family, Medicare-related, small business and ancillary plans, for which we are entitled to receive compensation from an insurance carrier.
	For individual and family, Medicare Supplement, small business and ancillary plans, our compensation generally represents a flat amount per member per month or a percentage of the premium amount collected by the carrier during the period that a member maintains coverage under a plan (commissions) and, to a much lesser extent, override commissions that health insurance carriers pay us for achieving certain objectives. Premium-based commissions are reported to us after the premiums are collected by the carrier, generally on a monthly basis. We generally continue to receive the commission payment from the relevant insurance carrier until the health insurance plan is cancelled or we otherwise do not remain the agent on the policy. We recognize commission revenue for individual and family, Medicare Supplement, small business and ancillary plans as the commissions are reported to us by the carrier, net of an estimate for future forfeiture amounts due to policy cancellations. We determine that there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement when we have a commission agreement with a health insurance carrier, a carrier reports to us that it has approved an application submitted through our ecommerce platform and the applicant starts making payments on the plan. Our services are complete when a carrier has approved an application. The seller’s price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured when commission amounts have been reported to us by a carrier.
	We recognize individual and family, small business and ancillary commission override revenue when reported to us by a carrier based on the actual attainment of predetermined target sales levels or other objectives as determined by the carrier. Commission override revenue, which we recognize on the same basis as individual and family, small business and ancillary commissions, is generally reported to us in a more irregular pattern than such commissions.
	For both Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans, we receive a fixed, annual commission payment from insurance carriers once the plan is approved by the carrier and either a fixed, monthly commission payment beginning with and subsequent to the second plan year for a Medicare Advantage plan or a fixed, annual commission payment beginning with and subsequent to the second plan year for a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. Additionally, commission rates may be higher in the first twelve months of the plan if the plan is the first Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D prescription drug plan issued to the member. In the first plan year of a Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, after the health insurance carrier approves the application but during the effective year of the plan, we are paid a fixed commission that is prorated for the number of months remaining in the calendar year. Additionally, if the plan is the first Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D plan issued to the member, we may receive a higher commission rate that covers a full twelve-month period, regardless of the month the plan was effective. We earn commission revenue for both Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans typically for a period of at least six years, depending on the carrier arrangement, provided that the plan remains active with us. We recognize commission revenue for both Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans for the entire plan year once the annual or first monthly commission amount for the plan year is reported to us by the carrier, net of an estimate for future forfeiture amounts due to plan cancellations. For commissions paid to us on a monthly basis, we record a receivable for the commission amounts to be received over the remainder of the plan year, net of an estimate for commission amounts not expected to be collected due to plan cancellations, which is included in Accounts Receivable in the accompanying balance sheets.  We continue to receive the commission payments from the relevant insurance carrier until the earlier of our being notified that the health insurance plan has been cancelled, our no longer remaining the agent on the plan, or our commission term with the carrier expires, typically for a period of at least six years from the effective date of the plan. We determine that there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement when we have a commission agreement with a health insurance carrier. Our services are complete when a carrier has approved an application in the initial year and when a member has renewed in a renewal year.  The seller’s price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured when a carrier has approved an application and the carrier reports to us the annual or first monthly renewal commission amount for each plan year.
	Commissions for all health insurance plans we sell are reported to us by a cash payment and commission statement. We generally receive these communications simultaneously. In instances when we receive the cash payment and commission statement separately and in different accounting periods, we recognize revenue in the period that we receive the earliest communication, provided we receive the second corroborating communication shortly following the end of the accounting period. If the second corroborating communication is not received shortly following the end of the accounting period, we recognize revenue in the period the second communication is received. During 2014 CMS issued a regulation prohibiting carriers from paying commissions during the fourth quarter on Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans sold during the fourth quarter with an effective date in the following year. During the fourth quarter of 2014 we recognized revenue for policies included on a commission statement received prior to December 31, 2014 and for which payment was received shortly after year-end and in connection with the carriers’ normal payment cycle during the first quarter of 2015. We use the data in the commission statements to help identify the members for which we are receiving a commission payment and the amount received for each member, and to estimate future forfeiture amounts due to plan cancellations. As a result, we recognize the net amount of compensation earned as the agent in the transaction. Changes in our historical trends would result in changes to our estimated forfeitures in future periods. There were no changes in our average forfeiture rates or reporting time lag during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 which had a material impact on our estimate for forfeitures.
	Certain commission amounts are subject to forfeiture when the plan is subsequently cancelled and either the carrier takes back all or a portion of the commission they have paid to us or we will no longer receive monthly commission payments for the remainder of the plan year. We record an estimate for these forfeitures based on our historical cancellation experience using data provided on commission statements. Policy cancellations and the commission amounts, if any, to be taken back by the carrier are typically reported to us by health insurance carriers several months after the policy’s cancellation date. Our estimate for forfeitures payable to a carrier, which is included in Other Current Liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets, includes an estimate of both the reporting time lag and the forfeiture amount, based on our historical experience by policy type. Similarly, our estimate for commission amounts not expected to be collected due to policy cancellations, which is recorded as a reduction of Accounts Receivable in the consolidated balance sheets, includes an estimate of the annual policy cancellation rate, based on our historical experience by policy type.
	Other Revenue
	Our sponsorship and advertising program allows carriers to purchase advertising space in specific markets in a sponsorship area on our website. In return, we are typically paid a monthly fee, which is recognized over the period that advertising is displayed, and often a performance fee based on metrics such as submitted health insurance applications, which is recognized when the earned amount are fixed and determinable. We also offer Medicare advertising services, which include website development, hosting and maintenance. In these instances, we are typically paid a fixed, up-front fee, which we recognize as revenue over the service period.
	Our commercial technology licensing business allows carriers the use of our ecommerce platform to offer their own health insurance policies on their websites and agents to utilize our technology to power their online quoting, content and application submission processes. Typically, we are paid a one-time implementation fee, which we recognize on a straight-line basis over the estimated term of the customer relationship (generally the initial term of the agreement), commencing once the technology is available for use by the third party, and a performance fee based on metrics such as submitted health insurance applications. The metrics used to calculate performance fees for both sponsorship and advertising and technology licensing are based on performance criteria that are either measured based on data tracked by us, or based on data tracked by the third party. In instances where the performance criteria data is tracked by us, we recognize revenue in the period of performance and when all other revenue recognition criteria has been met. In instances where the performance criteria data is tracked by the third party, we recognize revenue when the amounts earned are either fixed or determinable and collection is reasonably assured. Typically, this occurs through our receipt of a cash payment from the third party along with a detailed statement containing the data that is tracked by the third party.
	Deferred Revenue—Deferred revenue includes deferred technology licensing implementation fees and amounts billed for deliverables, including professional services, in multiple element arrangements that do not have stand-alone value from other, undelivered elements as well as amounts billed or collected from sponsorship or technology licensing customers in advance of our performing our service for such customers. It also includes the amount by which both unbilled and billed services provided under our technology licensing arrangements exceed the straight-line revenue recognized to date. We defer commission amounts that have been paid to us related to transactions where our services are complete, but where we cannot currently estimate future forfeitures related to those amounts.
	We allocate revenue to all units of accounting within an arrangement with multiple deliverables at the inception of the arrangement using the relative selling price method. The relative selling price method allocates any discount in an arrangement proportionally to each deliverable on the basis of each deliverable’s relative selling price. The relative selling price established for each deliverable is based on vendor-specific objective evidence of fair value (“VSOE”) if available, third-party evidence of selling price if VSOE is not available, or best estimate of selling price if neither VSOE nor third-party evidence is available. When used, the best estimate of selling price reflects our best estimates of what the selling prices of certain deliverables would be if they were sold regularly on a stand-alone basis. Our process for determining best estimate of selling price for deliverables without VSOE or third-party evidence of selling price considers multiple factors that may vary depending upon the unique facts and circumstances related to each deliverable. Key factors considered by us in developing the relative selling prices for our technology licensing fees include prices charged by us for similar offerings and our historical pricing practices. We may also consider additional factors as appropriate, including competition.
	A deliverable constitutes a separate unit of accounting when it has stand-alone value and there are no customer-negotiated right of refunds for the delivered elements. If the arrangement includes a customer-negotiated right of refund relative to the delivered item, and the delivery and performance of the undelivered item is considered probable and substantially in our control, the delivered element constitutes a separate unit of accounting. In circumstances when the aforementioned criteria are not met, the deliverable is combined with the undelivered elements, and the allocation of the arrangement consideration and revenue recognition is determined for the combined unit as a single unit. Allocation of the consideration is determined at the inception of the arrangement on the basis of each unit’s relative selling price. After the arrangement consideration has been allocated to each unit of accounting based on their relative selling prices, we apply revenue recognition criteria separately to each respective unit of accounting in the arrangement in accordance with applicable accounting guidance.
	Cost of Revenue—Included in Cost of Revenue are payments related to health insurance policies sold to members who were referred to our website by marketing partners with whom we have revenue-sharing arrangements. In order to enter into a revenue-sharing arrangement, marketing partners must be licensed to sell health insurance in the state where the policy is sold. Costs related to revenue-sharing arrangements are expensed as the related revenue is recognized.
	Additionally, cost of revenue includes the amortization of consideration we paid to a broker partner in connection with the transfer of their Medicare-related health insurance members to us as the new broker of record on the underlying policies.
	Deferred Costs—Deferred costs primarily represent direct costs related to professional services provided in connection with technology licensing arrangements that are accounted for as a single unit of accounting.  The direct professional services costs are deferred up until the commencement of revenue recognition of the single unit and then recognized as cost of revenue ratably over the same period as the related revenue.
	Marketing and Advertising Expenses—Marketing and advertising expenses consist primarily of member acquisition expenses associated with our direct, marketing partner and online advertising member acquisition channels, in addition to compensation and other expenses related to marketing, business development, partner management, public relations and carrier relations personnel who support our offerings. Advertising costs incurred in the years ended December 31, 2012,  2013 and 2014 totaled $50.3 million, $63.4 million and $61.3 million, respectively.
	Our direct channel expenses primarily consist of costs for direct mail, e-mail marketing, retargeting campaigns and may also include costs for television, radio, and print advertising. Advertising costs for our direct channel are expensed the first time the related advertising takes place. Our marketing partner channel expenses primarily consist of fees paid to marketing partners with which we have a relationship. Our online advertising channel expenses primarily consist of paid keyword search advertising on search engines. Advertising costs for our marketing partner channel and our online advertising channel are expensed as incurred.
	Research and Development Expenses—Research and development expenses consist primarily of compensation and related expenses incurred for employees on our engineering and technical teams. Research and development costs, which totaled $8.4 million, $10.1 million and $12.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively, are included in technology and content expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).
	Internal-Use Software and Website Development Costs—We capitalize costs of materials, consultants and compensation and benefits costs of employees who devote time to the development of internal-use software during the application development stage. Our judgment is required in determining the point at which various projects enter the phases at which costs may be capitalized, in assessing the ongoing value of the capitalized costs and in determining the estimated useful lives over which the costs are amortized, which is generally three years. During the year ended December 31, 2014, we capitalized $1.2 million in internal-use software and website development costs. During the year ended December 31, 2014 we recorded amortization expense of $0.2 million related to internal-use software and website development costs. Amortization expense for internal-use software and website development costs was not material for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013.
	Stock-Based Compensation—We recognize stock-based compensation expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) based on the fair value of our stock-based awards over their respective vesting periods, which is generally four years. The estimated grant date fair value of our stock options is determined using the Black-Scholes-Merton pricing model and a single option award approach. The weighted-average expected term for stock options granted is calculated using historical option exercise behavior. The dividend yield is determined by dividing the expected per share dividend during the coming year by the grant date stock price. Through December 31, 2014, we had not declared or paid any cash dividends, and we do not expect to pay any in the foreseeable future. We base the risk-free interest rate on the implied yield currently available on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with a remaining term equal to the expected term of our stock options. Expected volatility is determined using a combination of the implied volatility of publicly traded options in our stock and historical volatility of our stock price. The estimated attainment of performance-based awards and related expense is based on the expectations of revenue target achievement. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of stock-based payment awards and expected attainment of performance-based awards represent our best estimates, but these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management judgment. We will continue to use judgment in evaluating the expected term and volatility related to our own stock-based awards on a prospective basis, and incorporating these factors into the model. Changes in key assumptions could significantly impact the valuation of such instruments.
	401(k) Plan—In September 1998, our board of directors adopted a defined contribution retirement plan (401(k) Plan), which qualifies under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Participation in the 401(k) Plan is available to substantially all employees in the United States. Employees can contribute up to 25% of their salary, up to the federal maximum allowable limit, on a before-tax basis to the 401(k) Plan. Employee contributions are fully vested when contributed. Company contributions to the 401(k) Plan are discretionary and are expensed when incurred. In April 2006, we began matching employee contributions to our 401(k) Plan at 25% of an employee’s contribution each pay period, up to a maximum of 1% of the employee’s salary during such pay period. Our matching contributions are expensed as incurred and vest one-third for each of the first three years of the recipient’s service. The recipient is fully vested in all 401(k) Plan matching contributions after three years of service. We recognized expense of $0.2 million, $0.3 million, and $0.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013, and 2014, respectively, related to 401(k) matching contributions.
	Income Taxes—We account for income taxes using the liability method. Deferred income taxes are determined based on the differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities, using enacted statutory tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse.
	We consider stock option deduction benefits in excess of book compensation charges realized when we obtain an incremental benefit determined by the “With and Without” calculation method. Under the “With and Without” approach, excess tax benefits related to share-based payments are not deemed to be realized until after the utilization of all other tax benefits available to us. For example, net operating loss and tax credit carry forwards from prior years are used to reduce taxes currently payable prior to deductions from stock option exercises for purposes of financial reporting, while for tax return purposes, current year stock compensation deductions are generally used before net operating loss carry forwards. Indirect effects of excess tax benefits, such as the effect on research and development tax credits, are not considered.
	We utilize a two-step approach for evaluating uncertain tax positions. Step one, Recognition, requires a company to determine if the weight of available evidence indicates that a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. Step two, Measurement, is based on the largest amount of benefit, which is more likely than not to be realized on ultimate settlement. We record interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as income tax expense in the consolidated financial statements.
	Seasonality— In periods prior to the fourth quarter of 2013, the number of individual and family health insurance applications submitted through our ecommerce platform generally increased in our first quarter compared to our fourth quarter and in our third quarter compared to our second quarter. Conversely, we generally experienced a decline or flattening of individual and family submitted applications in our second quarter compared to our first quarter and in our fourth quarter compared to our third quarter.
	This trend changed in the fourth quarter of 2013 and first quarter of 2014 as a result of a significant increase, relative to historical levels, in the number of individual and family applications submitted during the initial open enrollment period under the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and related amendments in the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act, that began on October 1, 2013 and ended on March 31, 2014. This trend continued in the fourth quarter of 2014 as the number of individual and family applications submitted during the open enrollment period that began on November 15, 2014 increased compared to periods outside of the open enrollment period.
	The majority of Medicare plans are sold in our fourth quarter during the Medicare annual enrollment period, when Medicare-eligible individuals are permitted to change their Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage for the following year. As a result, we generate a significant amount of Medicare plan-related revenue in the fourth quarter of the year resulting from the sale of new Medicare plans. Additionally, historically we recognized a majority of our renewal Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D prescription drug plan commission revenue in the first quarter of each year as the majority of policies renewed on January 1 of each year. This trend continued in 2014 due to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or CMS, regulations that changed the definition of a plan year from being twelve months from the effective date of a policy to January 1 through December 31 of each year, causing all Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D prescription drug policies to renew on January 1 of each year.
	Since a significant portion of our marketing and advertising expenses consists of expenses incurred in search engine advertising at the time a consumer clicks on an advertisement and payments owed to our marketing partners in connection with health insurance applications submitted on our ecommerce platform, those expenses are influenced by seasonal submitted application patterns. As a result, in periods prior to the fourth quarter of 2013, marketing and advertising expenses related to individual and family health insurance plans have been highest in our first and third quarters, while marketing and advertising expenses related to Medicare-related plans have been highest in our third and fourth quarters. However, these historical trends were impacted by the initial open enrollment period for individual and family plans that began in October 2013 and ended on March 31, 2014. Marketing and advertising expenses increased significantly in the fourth quarter of 2013 and first quarter of 2014, relative to historical levels, and decreased significantly during the second and third quarters of 2014, consistent with the respective increases and decreases in submitted applications. During the fourth quarter of 2014, marketing and advertising expenses increased significantly in line with the open enrollment period that began on November 15, 2014.
	As a result of our seasonal trends in years prior to 2013, our revenue was highest in the fourth quarter of the year and our profitability was highest in the first quarter. However, in connection with the initial open enrollment period for individual and family plans which began on October 1, 2013 and ended on March 31, 2014, as well as the Medicare annual enrollment period for Medicare plans in the fourth quarter of 2013, we experienced an increase in revenue in both the fourth quarter of 2013 and the first quarter of 2014 compared to the fourth quarter of 2012 and first quarter of 2013, respectively. However, given our significantly higher marketing and advertising expenses associated with the increase in the number of individual and family health insurance applications and Medicare related health insurance applications during the enrollment periods without a commensurate level of additional revenue resulting from applicants who did not convert to members, we incurred a net loss in the fourth quarter of 2013, the first quarter of 2014 and the fourth quarter of 2014. Conversely, in both the second and third quarters of 2014, we recorded net income due to significantly lower marketing and advertising expenses associated with the decrease in the number of individual and family health insurance applications outside of the open enrollment period and increased revenue resulting from members who submitted applications during the open enrollment period in the prior respective quarters.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncement-In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 (ASU 2014-09) “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” ASU 2014-09 supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in “Revenue Recognition (Topic 605)”, and requires an entity to recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period and can be adopted using either a full retrospective or modified retrospective approach. Early adoption is not permitted. We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 on our consolidated financial statements.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-15, (ASU 2015-15) “Going Concern.” ASU 2014-15 requires management of all entities to evaluate whether there are conditions and events that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the financial statements are issued (or available to be issued when applicable). The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 and for interim periods within that fiscal year. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
	Recently Adopted Accounting Standards-Effective January 1, 2014, we adopted an accounting standards update with new guidance on the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits. This standard requires an entity to present an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, except: to the extent a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position or the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets.  The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Balance_Sheet_Accounts

Balance Sheet Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Balance Sheet Accounts	Balance Sheet Accounts
	Cash and Cash Equivalents—As of December 31, 2013 and 2014, our cash equivalents consisted of money market accounts that invested in U.S. government-sponsored enterprise bonds and discount notes, U.S. government treasury bills and notes and repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. government obligations. At December 31, 2013 and 2014, our cash equivalents carried no unrealized gains or losses and we did not realize any significant gains or losses on sales of cash equivalents during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014.
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2014, our cash and cash equivalent balances were invested as follows (in thousands):
		December 31, 2013				December 31, 2014
	Cash	$	16,935			$	15,793
	Money market funds	90,120				35,622
	Total cash and cash equivalents	$	107,055			$	51,415
	We used observable prices in active markets in determining the classification of our money market funds as Level 1 as of December 31, 2013 and 2014.
	Concentration of Credit Risk—Our financial instruments that are exposed to concentrations of credit risk principally consist of cash, cash equivalents and accounts receivable. We invest our cash and cash equivalents with major banks and financial institutions and, at times, such investments are in excess of federally insured limits. We also have deposits with major banks in China that are denominated in both U.S. dollars and Chinese Renminbi and are not insured by the U.S. federal government.
	Accounts Receivable—We do not require collateral or other security for our accounts receivable. As of December 31, 2013,  two customers represented 37% and 15%, respectively, for a combined total of 52% of our $4.6 million outstanding accounts receivable balance. As of December 31, 2014,  three customers represented 30% , 17% and 14%, respectively, for a combined total of 61% of our $8.2 million outstanding accounts receivable balance. No other customers represented 10% or more of our total accounts receivable at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2014. We believe the potential for collection issues with any of our customers was minimal as of December 31, 2014. Accordingly, our estimate for uncollectible amounts at December 31, 2014 was not material.
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2014, our accounts receivable consisted of the following (in thousands):
		December 31, 2013				December 31, 2014
	Accounts receivable – for other revenues	$	1,995			$	2,462
	Medicare renewal commissions receivable	2,121				355
	Other commissions receivable	470				5,383
	Total accounts receivable	$	4,586			$	8,200
	The other commissions receivable balance as of December 31, 2014 is recorded net of a $1.0 million allowance for estimated forfeitures related to Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plans sold during the fourth quarter of 2014 with effective dates in 2015.
	Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets—Prepaid expenses and other current assets consisted of the following (in thousands):
		As of December 31,
		2013				2014
	Book-of-business transfers, net (current)	$	2,937			$	1,844
	Income tax receivable	1,405				276
	Prepaid maintenance contracts (current)	1,794				1,994
	Prepaid insurance	534				1,056
	Prepaid rent	364				366
	Other assets (current)	1,330				938
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	8,364			$	6,474
	Property and Equipment—Property and equipment consisted of the following (in thousands)
		As of December 31,
		2013				2014
	Computer equipment and software	$	14,929			$	17,009
	Office equipment and furniture	3,087				3,486
	Leasehold improvements	3,279				3,200
	Property and equipment, gross	21,295				23,695
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(11,012		)		(14,055		)
	Property and equipment, net	$	10,283			$	9,640
	Depreciation and amortization expense related to property and equipment totaled $2.4 million, $3.3 million and $4.2 million in the years ended December 31, 2012,  2013 and 2014, respectively.
	Other Assets—Other assets consisted of the following (in thousands):
		As of December 31,
		2013				2014
	Book-of-business transfers, net (non-current)	$	4,447			$	3,545
	Security deposits	466				604
	Capitalized project costs	280				1,306
	Prepaid maintenance contracts (non-current)	325				224
	Other assets	$	5,518			$	5,679
	Intangible Assets—As a result of the streamlining of a legacy software product, we assessed intangible assets for impairment in the fourth quarter of 2012 and recorded an impairment charge of $0.3 million related to certain acquired intangible assets. The impairment charge is included in Amortization of Intangible Assets on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). During the fourth quarter 2014 we recorded an impairment charge of $0.1 million related to certain acquired intangible assets that will not be utilized in future periods.
	On March 31, 2014, we purchased an internet domain name, www.Medicare.com, for $4.8 million. Cash consideration paid in connection with the purchase of the domain name totaled $4.5 million. The consideration paid also included $0.3 million of outstanding receivables from the owner of the domain name that were settled upon completion of the purchase. The related intangible asset was assigned an indefinite useful life. The carrying amounts,  accumulated amortization, net carrying value and weighted average remaining life of our definite-lived amortizable intangible assets, as well as our indefinite-lived intangible trademarks, are presented in the tables below for (dollars in thousands, weighted-average useful life is as of December 31, 2014):
		December 31, 2013									December 31, 2014							Weighted Average Remaining Life
		Gross Carrying Amount							Net Carrying Amount		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount		31-Dec-14
						Accumulated Amortization
	Technology	$	1,752			$	(1,277	)	$	475	$	1,700	$	(1,587	)	$	113	0.4 years
	Pharmacy and customer relationships	10,410				(4,267		)	$	6,143	10,100		(5,033		)	$	5,067	5.3 years
	Trade names, trademarks and website addresses	907				(336		)	$	571	907		(427		)	$	480	5.3 years
	Total intangible assets subject to amortization	$	13,069			$	(5,880	)	7,189		$	12,707	$	(7,047	)	5,660
	Indefinite-lived trademarks and domain names								307							5,114		Indefinite
	Intangible assets								$	7,496						$	10,774
	During the years ended December 31, 2012,  2013 and 2014, amortization expense related to intangible assets totaled  $1.6 million, $1.4 million and $1.5 million, respectively.
	As of December 31, 2014, expected amortization expense in future periods is as follows (in thousands):
	Years Ending December 31,	Technology			Pharmacy and Customer Relationships			Trade Names, Trademarks and Website Addresses		Total
	2015	113			950			91		1,154
	2016				950			91		1,041
	2017				950			91		1,041
	2018				950			91		1,041
	2019				950			91		1,041
Thereafter				317			25		342
Total	113			5,067			480		5,660
Other Current Liabilities—Other current liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):
	As of December 31,
	2013				2014
Payable to carriers – estimate for forfeitures	$	1,860			$	2,206
Professional fees	380				230
Other accrued expenses	321				560
Total other current liabilities	$	2,561			$	2,996
Non-current Liabilities—Non-current liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):
	As of December 31,
	2013				2014
Deferred rent – non-current	$	1,210			$	1,196
Income tax payable – non-current	4,493				4,605
Deferred tax liabilities - non-current	—				410
Other non-current liabilities	462				238
Total non-current liabilities	$	6,165			$	6,449

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements
	We define fair value as the price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Valuation techniques we use to measure fair value maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. We classify the inputs used to measure fair value into the following hierarchy:
	Level 1	Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
	Level 2	Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, or
		Unadjusted quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or
		Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability
	Level 3	Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2014, our cash equivalents were invested in money market funds and were classified as Level 1. We endeavor to utilize the best available information in measuring fair value. We used observable prices in active markets in determining the classification of our money market funds as Level 1.
	The determination of fair value of the acquired book-of-business for which a $0.4 million impairment charge was recorded during 2012 was classified as a Level 3 fair value assessment because of the use of unobservable inputs in the calculation. We utilized an income approach, under which the fair value of the book of business was determined based on the present value of the estimated future cash flows using the expected present value technique. Under the expected present value technique possible cash flows are probability-weighted to determine an expected cash flow. The discount rate used was adjusted from a risk-free rate to reflect a market risk premium. The unobservable inputs used to calculate the fair value of the book-of-business included the projected cash flows and the market risk premium added to the discount rate.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	Stockholder's Equity
	Preferred Stock—Our board of directors has the authority, without any further action by our stockholders, to issue up to 110,000,000 shares, par value $0.001 per share, of which 10,000,000 shares are designated as preferred stock. As of December 31, 2013 and 2014, there were no shares of preferred stock outstanding.
	Common Stock—On all matters submitted to our stockholders for vote, our common stockholders are entitled to one vote per share, voting together as a single class, and do not have cumulative voting rights. Accordingly, the holders of a majority of the shares of common stock entitled to vote in any election of directors can elect all of the directors standing for election, if they so choose. Subject to preferences that may apply to any shares of preferred stock outstanding, the holders of common stock are entitled to share equally in any dividends, when and if declared by our board of directors. Upon the occurrence of a liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, the holders of common stock are entitled to share equally in all assets remaining after the payment of any liabilities and the liquidation preferences on any outstanding preferred stock. Holders of common stock have no preemptive or conversion rights or other subscription rights and there are no redemption or sinking funds provisions applicable to the common stock.
	Shares Reserved—We generally issue previously unissued common stock upon the exercise of stock options, the vesting of restricted stock units and upon granting of restricted common stock awards; however we may reissue previously acquired treasury shares to satisfy these future issuances. Shares of authorized but unissued common stock reserved for future issuance were as follows (in thousands):
		As of December 31,
		2013			2014
	Common stock:
	Stock options issued and outstanding	1,979			1,724
	Restricted stock units issued and outstanding	779			873
	Shares available for grant	4,085			4,164
	Total shares reserved	6,843			6,761
	Stock Plans—On June 12, 2014, upon approval at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders, we adopted the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2014 Plan”). The 2014 Plan replaced the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan and 4,500,000 shares were authorized for issuance under the 2014 Plan. The 2014 Plan does not include an evergreen provision to automatically increase the number of shares available under it and increases in the number of shares authorized for issuance under the 2014 Plan require stockholder approval. Also, under the 2014 Plan the following shares are not recycled for future grant under the 2014 Plan: (i) shares used in connection with the exercise of an option and/or stock appreciation right to pay the exercise price or purchase price of such award or satisfy applicable tax withholding obligations; and (ii) the gross number of shares subject to stock appreciation rights that are exercised. Furthermore, the 2014 Plan included a provision that prohibits repricing of outstanding stock options or stock appreciation rights and formalized and updated procedures to qualify awards as “performance-based” compensation under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code in order to preserve full tax deductibility of such awards.
	We previously granted options to purchase shares of our common stock and restricted stock units under our 2006 Equity Incentive Plan and 2005 Stock Plan. The 2006 Equity Incentive Plan was terminated with respect to the grant of additional awards on June 12, 2014, upon adoption of our 2014 Plan. The 2005 Stock Plan was terminated with respect to the grant of additional awards upon the effectiveness of the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan. We will continue to issue new shares of common stock upon vesting of restricted stock units and the exercise of stock options previously granted under the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan and 2005 Stock Plan.
	Our stock options and restricted stock awards granted under the 2014 Plan, 2006 Plan and 2005 Stock Plan (collectively, the “Stock Plans”) generally vest over 4 years at a rate of 25% after one year and 1/48th per month thereafter. Our stock options granted prior to December 31, 2007 generally expire after ten years from the date of grant. Stock options granted subsequent to December 31, 2007 generally expire after seven years from the date of grant. As of
	On December 31, 2014, no shares were subject to repurchase. Our restricted stock unit awards granted under the 2006 Plan generally vest over four years at a rate of 25% after one year and 25% annually thereafter.
	In 2012, 2013 and 2014, we issued restricted stock units with both service and performance-based vesting criteria to our executive officers. The performance-based contingency period for our restricted stock units with both service and performance-based vesting criteria granted in the fiscal year 2012 was the fiscal year ending December 31, 2012, and the measurement of achievement was based on our revenue, non-GAAP operating earnings and EBITDA results for 2012. The performance-based contingency period for our restricted stock units with both service and performance-based vesting criteria granted in the fiscal year 2013 was the fiscal years ending December 31, 2013 and 2014, and the measurement of achievement was based on our revenue results for the fiscal years ending December 31, 2013 and 2014. The performance-based contingency period for our restricted stock units with both service and performance-based vesting criteria granted in the fiscal year 2014 is the fiscal years ending December 31, 2014 and 2015, and the measurement of achievement is based on our revenue results for the fiscal years ending December 31, 2014 and 2015. One-third of the shares earned and eligible to vest for performance-based restricted stock units granted in 2012 vested in 2013 and 2014. The remaining one-third of shares earned and eligible to vest are scheduled to vest in 2015. One-fourth of the shares earned and eligible to vest based on 2013 revenue for performance-based restricted stock units granted in 2013 became vested in 2014. The remaining shares granted in 2013 that are earned and eligible to vest based on 2013 revenue are scheduled to vest in equal annual installments between 2015 and 2017. None of the performance-based restricted stock units granted in 2013 or 2014 that were measured based upon the Company’s 2014 revenue were vested. $1.1 million of stock compensation expense recorded in 2013 related to performance-based restricted stock units was reversed in 2014 as a result of related financial metrics not being achieved for the year ended December 31, 2014. Expense recorded for performance-based restricted stock units is recorded over the required service periods based on the number of shares earned, or expected attainment for shares to be earned based on performance-based contingency periods that have not been completed.
	The following table summarizes activity under our Stock Plans (in thousands):
		Shares Available for Grant (1)
	Shares available for grant December 31, 2011	3,870
	Reduction in number of authorized shares (2)	(2	)
	Additional shares authorized (3)	795
	Restricted stock units granted (4)	(265	)
	Options granted	(846	)
	Restricted stock units cancelled (5)	121
	Options cancelled	309
	Shares available for grant December 31, 2012	3,982
	Reduction in number of authorized shares (2)
	Additional shares authorized (3)	818
	Restricted stock units granted (4)	(595	)
	Options granted	(227	)
	Restricted stock units cancelled (5)	24
	Options cancelled	83
	Shares available for grant December 31, 2013	4,085
	Additional shares authorized (3)	751
	Restricted stock units granted (4)	(563	)
	Options granted	(52	)
	Restricted stock units cancelled (5)	25
	Options cancelled	16
	2014 Equity Incentive Plan adjustment (6)	(98	)
	Shares available for grant December 31, 2014	4,164
	-1	Shares available for grant do not include treasury stock shares that could be granted if we determined to do so.
	-2	The 1998 and 2005 Stock Plans were terminated with respect to the grant of additional shares upon the effective date of the registration statement related to our initial public offering in October 2006, resulting in reductions in the total number of shares authorized for issuance.
	-3	On January 1, 2012,  2013 and 2014, the number of shares authorized for issuance under the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan was automatically increased pursuant to the terms of the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan.
	-4	2012, 2013 and 2014 include grants of restricted stock units with both service and performance-based vesting criteria to our executive officers.
	-5	2012, 2013 and 2014 include cancelled restricted stock units with both service and performance-based vesting criteria.
	-6	On June 12, 2014, shares available for grant were adjusted to 4,500,000 pursuant to the terms of the 2014 Plan.
	The following table summarizes stock option activity under the Stock Plans (in thousands, except weighted-average exercise price and weighted-average remaining contractual life data):
		Number of Stock Options			Weighted Average Exercise Price				Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (1)
	Balance outstanding at December 31, 2011	3,412			$	11.36			3.8		17,078
	Granted	846			$	17.76
	Exercised	(993	)		$	8.51					10,512
	Cancelled	(309	)		$	18.39
	Balance outstanding at December 31, 2012	2,956			$	13.41			3.91		41,462
	Granted	227			$	28.82
	Exercised	(1,121	)		$	8.22					22,486
	Cancelled	(83	)		$	18.4
	Balance outstanding at December 31, 2013	1,979			$	17.91			4.2		56,569
	Granted	52			$	36.26
	Exercised	(256	)		$	16.04					6,472
	Cancelled	(51	)		$	26.38
	Balance outstanding at December 31, 2014	1,724			$	18.5			3.31		12,884
	Vested and expected to vest after December 31, 2014	1,685			$	18.38			3.27		12,690
	Exercisable at December 31, 2014	1,266			$	17.1			2.75		10,413
	-1	The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between eHealth’s closing stock price as of December 31 of each year presented and the exercise price of in-the-money options as of those dates.
The total fair value of stock options vested during the years ended December 31,  2012,  2013 and 2014 was $2.4 million, $3.3 million and $2.3 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, there was $3.6 million of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to unvested stock options, which is expected to be recognized over the next 2.3 years.
The following table summarizes restricted stock unit activity under the Stock Plans (in thousands, except weighted-average grant date fair value and weighted-average remaining contractual life data):
	Number of Restricted Stock Units (1)			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value				Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (2)
Balance outstanding at December 31, 2011	474			$	14.72			1.92		$	6,958
Granted	265			$	17.61
Vested	(237	)		$	15.49
Cancelled	(121	)		$	14.04
Balance outstanding at December 31, 2012	381			$	16.21			2.22		$	10,464
Granted	595			$	20.73
Vested	(173	)		$	15.78
Cancelled	(24	)		$	17.33
Balance outstanding at December 31, 2013	779			$	19.57			2.3		$	36,220
Granted	563			$	37.56
Vested	(220	)		$	19.59
Cancelled	(249	)		$	20.62
Balance outstanding at December 31, 2014	873			$	30.86			2.52		$	21,753
-1	Includes restricted stock units with both service and performance-based vesting criteria granted to our executive officers.
-2	The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as eHealth’s closing stock price as of December 31 multiplied by the number of restricted stock units outstanding.
The fair value of the restricted stock units is based on eHealth’s stock price on the date of grant. Compensation expense for awards that include only service-based vesting criteria is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. Compensation expense for awards that include both service and performance-based vesting criteria is recognized using accelerated attribution over the vesting period. The total fair value of restricted stock units vested during the years ended December  31,  2012,  2013 and 2014 was $3.8 million, $3.5 million and $10.3 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, there was $13.4 million of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to restricted stock units, which is expected to be recognized over the next 2.9 years.
Stock Repurchase Programs—On June 14, 2011, we announced that our board of directors approved a stock repurchase program authorizing us to purchase up to an additional $30 million of our common stock. Repurchases under this program began in the third quarter of 2011. Purchases under the repurchase program were made in the open market and complied with Rule 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In February 2012, we completed this stock repurchase program, having repurchased in aggregate 2.2 million shares for approximately $30 million at an average price of $13.78 per share including commissions. The cost of the repurchased shares was funded from available working capital.
On September 10, 2012, we announced that our board of directors approved a stock repurchase program authorizing us to purchase up to $30 million of our common stock and on  March 6, 2013, we announced that our board of directors increased the approved repurchase amount under this program to $60 million. Purchases under this program were made in the open market. The cost of the repurchased shares was funded from available working capital. We completed repurchasing common stock under this program in June 2013 having repurchased 2,957,179 shares for $60 million at an average price of $20.29 per share.
On March 31, 2014, we announced that our board of directors approved a stock repurchase program authorizing us to purchase up to $50 million of our common stock. Purchases under this program were made in the open market. We completed this stock repurchase program in July 2014 having repurchased in the aggregate 1.4 million shares for approximately $50 million at an average price of $36.91 per share including commissions. The cost of the repurchase was funded from available working capital.
For accounting purposes, common stock repurchased under our stock repurchase programs is recorded based upon the settlement date of the applicable trade. Such repurchased shares are held in treasury and are presented using the cost method.
Stock repurchase activity under our stock repurchase programs during the year ended December 31, 2012,  2013 and 2014 is summarized as follows (dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts):
	Total Number of Shares Purchased			Average Price Paid per Share (1)				Amount of Repurchase
Cumulative balance at December 31, 2011	5,797,806			$	14.07			$	81,557
Repurchases of common stock during 2012	599,997			$	15.72			9,434
Cumulative balance at December 31, 2012	6,397,803			$	14.22			90,991
Repurchases of common stock during 2013	2,911,466			$	20.27			59,007
Cumulative balance at December 31, 2013	9,309,269			$	16.11			149,998
Repurchases of common stock during 2014	1,354,619			$	36.91			50,000
Cumulative balance at December 31, 2014	10,663,888			$	18.75			$	199,998
-1	Average price paid per share includes commissions.
In addition to the shares repurchased under our repurchase programs as of December  31,  2014, we have in treasury an additional 281,719 shares that were previously surrendered by employees to satisfy tax withholdings due in connection with the vesting of certain restricted stock units. As of December 31, 2013 and 2014, we had a total of 9,519,286 shares and 10,945,607 shares, respectively, held in treasury.
Stock-Based Compensation—The fair value of stock options granted to employees for the years ended December  31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 was estimated using the following weighted average assumptions:
	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2013		2014
Expected term	4.6		4.3		4.2
Expected volatility	43.90%		39.30%		47.20%
Expected dividend yield	—%		—%		—%
Risk-free interest rate	0.85%		0.96%		1.41%
Weighted-average grant date fair value	$6.65		$9.52		$14.10
The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense recorded during the years ended December  31,  2012,  2013 and 2014 (in thousands):
	Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2013			2014
Common stock options	2,787			2,817			2,215
Restricted stock units	2,835			4,985			3,662
Total stock-based compensation expense	5,622			7,802			5,877
The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense by operating function for the years ended December  31,  2012,  2013 and 2014 (in thousands):
	Year  Ended December 31,
	2012				2013				2014
Marketing and advertising	$	1,215			$	2,112			$	1,692
Customer care and enrollment	321				342				386
Technology and content	1,021				1,641				1,611
General and administrative	3,065				3,707				2,188
Total stock-based compensation expense	$	5,622			$	7,802			$	5,877

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The components of our income (loss) before provision for income taxes were as follows (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2012				2013				2014
	United States	$	13,475			$	3,412			$	(7,057	)
	Foreign	(23		)		228				197
	Income (loss) before provision for income taxes	$	13,452			$	3,640			$	(6,860	)
	The provision (benefit) for income taxes consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2012				2013				2014
	Current:
	Federal	$	5,009			$	3,650			$	165
	State	373				269				113
	Foreign	—				—				14
	Total current	5,382				3,919				292
	Deferred:
	Federal	819				(1,914		)		7,935
	State	169				(88		)		1,292
	Foreign	—				—				(174		)
	Total deferred	988				(2,002		)		9,053
	Provision for income taxes	$	6,370			$	1,917			$	9,345
	The following table provides a reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate to our effective tax rate:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2012			2013			2014
	Federal statutory rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	State income taxes	3.5			3.9			1.6
	Non-qualified stock option shortfalls, net	6.5			—			—
	Lobbying	4.7			17.4			(6.3	)
	Change in Valuation Allowance	—			—			(164.7	)
	Research and development tax credits	—			(8.8	)		3.4
	Stock-based compensation	0.4			1.2			(0.8	)
	Section 162(m) limitation	0.2			2.3			(2.7	)
	Other	(2.9	)		1.7			(1.8	)
	Effective tax rate	47.4	%		52.7	%		(136.3	)%
	Our effective tax rates in 2012 and 2013 were higher than statutory federal and state tax rates primarily due to non-deductible lobbying expenses and, for 2012, tax shortfalls related to share-based payments. Our effective tax rate in 2014 differs from the federal statutory rate primarily due to the recording of a valuation allowance against our federal and state deferred tax assets.
	Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes, together with net operating loss and tax credit carry forwards.  Significant components of our deferred tax assets were as follows (in thousands):
		As of December 31,
		2013				2014
	Deferred tax assets:
	Federal, state and foreign net operating loss carry forwards	$	1,953			$	3,678
	Federal and state tax credit carry forwards	599				1,076
	Stock-based compensation	4,584				4,585
	Accruals and reserves	2,953				1,549
	Intangible assets	1,969				2,138
	Other	905				1,080
	Gross deferred tax assets	12,963				14,106
	Valuation allowance	(595		)		(11,747		)
	Total deferred tax assets	12,368				2,359
	Deferred tax liabilities – intangible assets	(2,617		)		(2,076		)
	Deferred tax liabilities – fixed assets	(723		)		(307		)
	Total net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	$	9,028			$	(24	)
	Net deferred tax assets – current	$	4,459			$	386
	Net deferred tax assets (liabilities) – non-current	4,569				(410		)
	Total net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	$	9,028			$	(24	)
	Assessing the realizability of our deferred tax assets is dependent upon several factors, including the likelihood and amount, if any, of future taxable income in relevant jurisdictions during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. We forecast taxable income by considering all available positive and negative evidence, including our history of operating income and losses and our financial plans and estimates that we use to manage the business. These assumptions require significant judgment about future taxable income. As a result, the amount of deferred tax assets considered realizable is subject to adjustment in future periods if estimates of future taxable income change. We recorded a valuation allowance of $11.5 million in the 2014 financial statements, which represents a full valuation allowance against the Company’s federal and state deferred tax assets. The valuation allowance was recorded as a result of increased uncertainty regarding the Company’s future taxable income and a lack of sources of other taxable income.
	The net valuation allowance increased by $11.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2014. The change in the net valuation allowance during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 was not material.
	For tax return purposes, we had net operating loss carry forwards at December 31, 2014 of approximately $20.6 million and $77.7 million for federal income tax and state income tax purposes, respectively. Included in the federal and state net operating loss carry forwards are unrealized federal and state net operating loss deductions resulting from stock option exercises of approximately $10.3 million and $61.0 million, respectively. The benefit of these unrealized stock option-related deductions has not been included in the deferred tax assets table above and will be recognized as a credit to additional paid-in capital when realized. Federal and state net operating loss carry forwards begin expiring in 2023 and 2016, respectively. The federal net operating loss carry forward is subject to an annual limitation of approximately $2.5 million due to section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code.  Approximately $2.5 million of the state net operating loss carry forward is subject to an annual limitation of approximately $0.1 million due to section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code.
	During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 we utilized excess tax benefits related to share-based payments, which resulted in a decrease in cash generated from operating activities and a corresponding increase in cash generated from financing activities of $4.5 million, $3.4 million and $0.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.
	At December 31, 2014, we had tax credit carry forwards of approximately $3.6 million and $2.1 million for federal income tax and state income tax purposes, respectively. Federal tax credit carry forwards begin expiring in 2021 and state tax credits carry forward indefinitely.
	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of our unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):
		Unrecognized Tax Benefits
	Balance at December 31, 2011	$	4,299
	Decreases based on tax positions related to the prior year	(45		)
	Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	296
Settlements	—
Balance at December 31, 2012	4,550
Increases based on tax positions related to the prior year	223
Lapse of statute of limitations	(66		)
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	890
Settlements	—
Balance at December 31, 2013	5,597
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	1,159
Settlements	—
Balance at December 31, 2014	$	6,756
As of December 31, 2013 and 2014, there were $4.6 million and $4.3 million, respectively, of unrecognized tax benefits, that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate.
All tax years after 1998 are open to examination and adjustment due to our net operating losses.
The Company’s 2009 and 2010 California income tax returns are under audit by the Franchise Tax Board.

Net_Income_Loss_Per_Share

Net Income (Loss) Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Income Per Share	Net Income (Loss) Per Share
	Basic net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period (excluding shares subject to repurchase). Diluted net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing the net income (loss) for the period by the weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per share is computed giving effect to all potential dilutive common stock, including options, restricted stock and restricted stock units. The dilutive effect of outstanding awards is reflected in diluted earnings per share by application of the treasury stock method.
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2012			2013			2014
	Basic:
	Numerator:
	Net income (loss) allocated to common stock	$	7,082		$	1,723		$	(16,205	)
	Denominator:
	Net weighted average number of common stock shares outstanding	19,867			19,145			18,367
	Net income (loss) per share—basic:	$	0.36		$	0.09		$	(0.88	)
	Diluted:
	Numerator:
	Net income (loss) allocated to common stock	$	7,082		$	1,723		$	(16,205	)
	Denominator:
	Net weighted average number of common stock shares outstanding	19,867			19,145			18,367
	Weighted average number of options	774			548			—
	Weighted average number of restricted stock units	112			153			—
	Total common stock shares used in per share calculation	20,753			19,846			18,367
	Net income (loss) per share—diluted:	$	0.34		$	0.09		$	(0.88	)
	For each of the years ended December  31,  2012,  2013 and 2014, we had securities outstanding that could potentially dilute earnings per share, but the shares from the assumed conversion or exercise of these securities were excluded in the computation of diluted net income (loss) per share as their effect would have been anti-dilutive. The number of outstanding weighted average anti-dilutive shares that were excluded from the computation of diluted net income (loss) per share consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2012		2013			2014
	Common stock options	1,276		92			1,815
	Restricted stock units	4		6			728
	Total	1,280		98			2,543

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments And Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies
	Operating Lease Obligations
	We lease our office, operating facilities and certain of our equipment and furniture and fixtures under various operating leases, the latest of which expires in July 2023. Certain of these leases have free or escalating rent payment provisions. We recognize rent expense on our operating leases on a straight-line basis over the terms of the leases, although actual cash payment obligations under certain of these agreements fluctuate over the terms of the agreements.
	In March 2012, we entered into an agreement to lease a building in Mountain View, California, adjacent to our headquarters office. The term of the operating lease is ten years from the date the building was delivered to us in August 2013 and the base rent is approximately $0.6 million for the first year of the lease. The base rent increases annually by 3%. Future minimum payments related to this operating lease total $7.0 million over the ten-year term of the lease plus our proportionate share of certain operating expenses, insurance costs and taxes for each calendar year during the lease. Lease payments began in the third quarter of 2013.
	In connection with the Mountain View, California lease agreement, we entered into a financial guarantee consisting of a standby letter of credit for $0.6 million, which may be reduced in increments of 25% of the original amount thereof on the first, second and third anniversaries of the commencement date, subject to our compliance with the applicable conditions to such reductions set forth in the lease.
	In April 2013, we entered into an agreement to lease approximately 20,000 square feet of office space in Westford, Massachusetts. The lease commenced in July 2013 and is for a term of 5 years and 3 months. Future minimum payments total approximately $2.1 million over the term of the lease.
	In August 2014, we renewed our agreement to lease and expanded to approximately 50,000 square feet of office space in Gold River, California. The lease commenced in August 2014 and is for a term of 4 years and 5 months. Future minimum payments will total approximately $4.8 million over the term of the lease.
	Total rent expense under all operating leases was approximately $4.3 million, $4.8 million and $5.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.
	Service and Licensing Obligations
	We have entered into service and licensing agreements with third party vendors to provide various services, including network access, equipment maintenance and software licensing. The terms of these services and licensing agreements are generally up to three years. As the benefits of these agreements are experienced uniformly over the applicable contractual periods, we record the related service and licensing expenses on a straight-line basis, although actual cash payment obligations under certain of these agreements fluctuate over the terms of the agreements.
	The following table presents a summary of our future minimum payments under non-cancellable operating lease agreements and contractual service and licensing obligations as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
	Years Ending December 31,	Operating Lease Obligations		Service and Licensing Obligations		Total Obligations
	2015	$	4,721	$	2,921	$	7,642
	2016	4,400		688		5,088
	2017	4,350		216		4,566
	2018	3,183		—		3,183
	2019	1,045		—		1,045
	Thereafter	3,521		—		3,521
	Total	$	21,220	$	3,825	$	25,045
	Legal Proceedings—On January 26 and March 10, 2015, two purported class action lawsuits were filed against us, our Chairman and chief executive officer, Gary L. Lauer (“Mr. Lauer”), and our senior vice president and chief financial officer, Stuart M. Huizinga (“Mr. Huizinga”), in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.  The complaints allege that the defendants made false and misleading statements regarding our financial performance, guidance and operations during alleged class periods of October 31, 2014 to January 14, 2015 and June 5, 2014 to January 14, 2015, respectively.  The complaints allege that we and Messrs. Lauer and Huizinga violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder.  The complaints seek compensatory damages, attorneys’ fees and costs, rescission or a rescissory measure of damages, equitable/injunctive relief and such other relief as the court deems proper.
	In the ordinary course of our business, we have received and may continue to receive inquiries from state regulators relating to various matters. We have become, and may in the future become, involved in litigation in the ordinary course of our business. If we are found to have violated laws or regulations in any of the states, we could be subject to various fines and penalties, including revocation of our license to sell insurance in those states, and our business and financial results would be harmed. We would also be harmed to the extent that related publicity damages our reputation as a trusted source of objective information relating to health insurance and its affordability. It could also be costly to defend ourselves regardless of the outcome. At December 31, 2013 and 2014, we had no material liabilities included in our consolidated balance sheet for outstanding legal claims.
	Guarantees and Indemnifications—We have agreed to indemnify members of our board of directors and our executive officers for fees, expenses, judgments, fines and settlement amounts incurred in any action or proceeding, including actions or proceedings by or in the right of the Company, to which any of them is, or is threatened to be, made a party by reason of their service as a director or officer of the Company or service provided to another company or enterprise at our request. The term of the director and officer indemnification is perpetual as to events or occurrences that take place while the director or officer is, or was, serving at our request. As such, the maximum potential amount of future payment we could be required to make under these indemnification arrangements is unlimited. We, however, maintain directors and officers insurance coverage that limits our exposure under certain circumstances and that may allow us to recover a portion of future amounts paid. Accordingly, we have not recorded any liabilities for these agreements as of December 31, 2013 or 2014.
	While we have made various guarantees included in contracts in the normal course of business, primarily in the form of indemnity obligations under certain circumstances, these guarantees do not represent significant commitments or contingent liabilities of the indebtedness of others. Accordingly, we have not recorded a liability related to these indemnification provisions.

Operating_Segments_Geographic_

Operating Segments, Geographic Information and Significant Customers	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Operating Segments, Geographic Information And Significant Customers	Operating Segments, Geographic Information and Significant Customers
	Operating Segments— Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker, or decision making group, in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance of the Company. We operate in one segment and accordingly we have provided only enterprise-wide disclosures. Our chief executive officer, who is our chief operating decision maker, reviews our financial information in a similar manner.
	Geographic Information—As of December 31, 2013 and 2014, our long-lived assets consisted primarily of property and equipment, goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets and finite-lived intangible assets. Our long-lived assets are attributed to the geographic location in which they are located. Long-lived assets by geographical area were as follows (in thousands):
		31-Dec-13			31-Dec-14
	United States	$	37,046		$	39,752
	China	347			437
	Total	$	37,393		$	40,189
	Significant Customers—Substantially all revenue for the years ended December  31,  2012,  2013 and 2014 was generated from customers located in the United States. Carriers representing 10% or more of our total revenue for the years ended December  31,  2012,  2013 and 2014 are presented in the table below:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2012		2013			2014
	Humana	18	%	21	%		23	%
	WellPoint (1)	13	%	12	%		11	%
	UnitedHealthcare (2)	12	%	11	%		10	%
	Aetna (3)	8	%	10	%		10	%
	-1	Wellpoint also includes other carriers owned by Wellpoint.
	-2	UnitedHealthcare also includes other carriers owned by UnitedHealthcare.
	-3	Aetna also includes other carriers owned by Aetna.
	Commission revenue attributable to major medical individual and family health insurance plans was approximately 75%, 69% and 61%  of our total commission revenue in the years ended December  31,  2012,  2013 and 2014, respectively. We define our individual and family plan offerings as major medical individual and family health insurance plans, which do not include Medicare-related health insurance plan offerings, small business or other ancillary products such as short-term, stand-alone dental, life, accident, vision, travel and student insurance plan offerings.

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
	Selected summarized quarterly financial information for 2014 and 2013 is as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):
	2014	1st  Quarter			2ND Quarter		3RD Quarter		4TH Quarter			Year
	Revenue	$	50,940		$	42,594	$	41,168	$	44,975		$	179,677
	Income (loss) from operations	(3,110		)	6,348		3,766		(13,766		)	$	(6,762	)
	Net income (loss)	(1,553		)	3,023		1,524		(19,199		)	$	(16,205	)
	Net income (loss) per share:
	Basic	$	(0.08	)	$	0.16	$	0.09	$	(1.08	)	$	(0.88	)
	Diluted	$	(0.08	)	$	0.15	$	0.08	$	(1.08	)	$	(0.88	)
	2013	1st  Quarter			2ND Quarter		3RD Quarter		4TH Quarter			Year
	Revenue	$	43,207		$	39,800	$	42,008	$	54,165		$	179,180
	Income (loss) from operations	3,941			2,031		403		(2,644		)	3,732
	Net income (loss)	2,361			1,146		174		(1,960		)	1,723
	Net income (loss) per share:
	Basic	$	0.11		$	0.06	$	0.01	$	(0.11	)	$	0.09
	Diluted	$	0.11		$	0.06	$	0.01	$	(0.11	)	$	0.09

Subsequent_Event

Subsequent Event	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Event	Subsequent Event
	On March 11, 2015, we announced an organizational restructuring and cost reduction plan. As part of the plan, we expect to eliminate approximately 160 full-time positions, representing approximately 15% of our workforce. We expect to incur pre-tax restructuring charges of between approximately $3.2 million and $3.8 million, for employee termination benefits and related costs as well as between $0.5 million and $0.9 million in other pre-tax restructuring charges, including facility costs. Substantially all of the restructuring charges are expected to result in cash expenditures. The majority of the restructuring charges are expected to be recorded in the first and second quarters of 2015, when the activities comprising the plan are expected to be substantially completed.

Summary_of_Business_and_Signif1

Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Description of Business	Description of Business—eHealth, Inc. (the “Company,” “eHealth,” “we” or “us”) is the leading online source of health insurance for individuals, families and small businesses in the United States. Through our website addresses (www.eHealth.com,  www.eHealthInsurance.com,  www.eHealthMedicare.com, www.Medicare.com and www.PlanPrescriber.com), consumers can get quotes from leading health insurance carriers, compare plans side-by-side, and apply for and purchase individual and family, Medicare-related, small business and ancillary health insurance plans. We actively market the availability of Medicare-related insurance plans and offer Medicare plan comparison tools and educational materials for Medicare-related insurance plans, including Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans.  Our ecommerce technology also enables us to deliver consumers’ health insurance applications electronically to health insurance carriers. As a result, we simplify and streamline the complex and traditionally paper-intensive health insurance sales and purchasing process. We are licensed to market and sell health insurance in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation—The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of eHealth, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”).
Operating Segment	Operating Segment—We operate in one business segment. See Note 8 – Operating Segments, Geographic Information and Significant Customers for additional information regarding our business segment.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates—The preparation of consolidated financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the amounts reported and disclosed in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to, but not limited to, the useful lives of intangible assets, fair value of investments, fair value of our Medicare  books-of-business, recoverability of intangible assets, estimates for commission forfeitures, valuation allowance for deferred income taxes, provision for income taxes, our assessment whether internal use software and website development costs will result in additional functionality and the assumptions used in determining stock-based compensation. We base our estimates of the carrying value of certain assets and liabilities on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
Cash Equivalents	Cash Equivalents—We consider all investments with an original maturity of three months or less from the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are stated at fair value.
Plant and Equipment	Property and Equipment—Property and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Capital lease amortization expenses are included in depreciation expense in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). Depreciation and amortization is computed using the straight-line method based on estimated useful lives as follows:
	Computer equipment and software	3 to 5 years
	Office equipment and furniture	5 years
	Leasehold improvements	Lesser of useful life (typically 5 to 10 years) or related lease term
	Maintenance and minor replacements are expensed as incurred.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Intangible Assets—Goodwill represents the excess of the consideration paid over the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business acquisition. We do not amortize goodwill or our other indefinite-lived intangible assets but test for impairment on an annual basis on or about November 30 of each year and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate a reduction in its fair value below its carrying amount.
	Intangible assets with finite useful lives, which include purchased technology, pharmacy and customer relationships, trade names, and certain trademarks, are amortized over their estimated useful lives and are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate a reduction in their fair values below their respective carrying amounts.
	Factors that we consider in deciding when to perform an impairment review include significant negative industry or economic trends or significant changes or planned changes in our use of the intangible assets. We measure the recoverability of assets that will continue to be used in our operations by comparing the carrying value of the asset grouping to our estimate of the related total future undiscounted net cash flows. If an asset grouping’s carrying value is not recoverable through the related undiscounted cash flows, the asset grouping is considered to be impaired. The impairment is measured by comparing the difference between the asset grouping’s carrying value and its fair value. Fair value is the price that would be received from selling an asset in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
	Goodwill and intangible assets are considered non-financial assets, and are recorded at fair value, subsequent to initial recognition, only when an impairment charge is recognized.
	We must make subjective judgments in determining the independent cash flows that can be related to specific asset groupings. In addition, we must make subjective judgments regarding the remaining useful lives of assets with finite useful lives. When we determine that the useful life of an asset is shorter than we had originally estimated, we accelerate the rate of amortization over the assets’ new, remaining useful life. We evaluated the remaining useful lives of our intangible assets with finite lives in the fourth quarter of 2014 and determined no material adjustments to the remaining lives were required.
Book-of-Business Transfers	Book-of-Business Transfers—We have entered into several agreements with a broker partner, whereby the partner has transferred certain of its existing Medicare plan members to us as the broker of record on the underlying policies. The first of these book-of-business transfers occurred in November 2010 and the most recent in June 2012. Total consideration for these books-of-business amounted to $13.9 million, of which $6.3 million is related to transfers during 2012. Consideration for these books-of-business is included in Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets and in Other Assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The consideration, which was based on the discounted commissions expected to be received over the remaining life of each transferred Medicare plan member, is being amortized to Cost of Revenue in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) and is presented as Amortization of Book-of-Business Consideration in the consolidated statements of cash flows as we recognize commission revenue related to the transferred Medicare plan members. The amount of consideration we amortize to cost of revenue each quarter is proportional to the amount of commission revenue we recognize on the underlying policies each quarter in relation to the total amount of remaining commission revenue expected to be recognized. Amortization expense recorded to cost of revenue for these books-of-business for the years ended December 31, 2012,  2013 and 2014 totaled $2.7 million, $3.1 million and $2.0 million, respectively. Cash consideration paid in connection with the book-of-business transfers is presented under Investing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
Other Long-Lived Assets	Other Long-Lived Assets—We evaluate other long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition
	We recognize revenue for our services when each of the following four criteria is met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; delivery has occurred or services have been rendered; the seller’s price to the buyer is fixed or determinable; and collectability is reasonably assured. Our revenue is primarily comprised of compensation paid to us by health insurance carriers related to insurance plans that have been purchased by a member who used our service. We define a member as an individual currently covered by an insurance plan, including individual and family, Medicare-related, small business and ancillary plans, for which we are entitled to receive compensation from an insurance carrier.
	For individual and family, Medicare Supplement, small business and ancillary plans, our compensation generally represents a flat amount per member per month or a percentage of the premium amount collected by the carrier during the period that a member maintains coverage under a plan (commissions) and, to a much lesser extent, override commissions that health insurance carriers pay us for achieving certain objectives. Premium-based commissions are reported to us after the premiums are collected by the carrier, generally on a monthly basis. We generally continue to receive the commission payment from the relevant insurance carrier until the health insurance plan is cancelled or we otherwise do not remain the agent on the policy. We recognize commission revenue for individual and family, Medicare Supplement, small business and ancillary plans as the commissions are reported to us by the carrier, net of an estimate for future forfeiture amounts due to policy cancellations. We determine that there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement when we have a commission agreement with a health insurance carrier, a carrier reports to us that it has approved an application submitted through our ecommerce platform and the applicant starts making payments on the plan. Our services are complete when a carrier has approved an application. The seller’s price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured when commission amounts have been reported to us by a carrier.
	We recognize individual and family, small business and ancillary commission override revenue when reported to us by a carrier based on the actual attainment of predetermined target sales levels or other objectives as determined by the carrier. Commission override revenue, which we recognize on the same basis as individual and family, small business and ancillary commissions, is generally reported to us in a more irregular pattern than such commissions.
	For both Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans, we receive a fixed, annual commission payment from insurance carriers once the plan is approved by the carrier and either a fixed, monthly commission payment beginning with and subsequent to the second plan year for a Medicare Advantage plan or a fixed, annual commission payment beginning with and subsequent to the second plan year for a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. Additionally, commission rates may be higher in the first twelve months of the plan if the plan is the first Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D prescription drug plan issued to the member. In the first plan year of a Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, after the health insurance carrier approves the application but during the effective year of the plan, we are paid a fixed commission that is prorated for the number of months remaining in the calendar year. Additionally, if the plan is the first Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D plan issued to the member, we may receive a higher commission rate that covers a full twelve-month period, regardless of the month the plan was effective. We earn commission revenue for both Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans typically for a period of at least six years, depending on the carrier arrangement, provided that the plan remains active with us. We recognize commission revenue for both Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans for the entire plan year once the annual or first monthly commission amount for the plan year is reported to us by the carrier, net of an estimate for future forfeiture amounts due to plan cancellations. For commissions paid to us on a monthly basis, we record a receivable for the commission amounts to be received over the remainder of the plan year, net of an estimate for commission amounts not expected to be collected due to plan cancellations, which is included in Accounts Receivable in the accompanying balance sheets.  We continue to receive the commission payments from the relevant insurance carrier until the earlier of our being notified that the health insurance plan has been cancelled, our no longer remaining the agent on the plan, or our commission term with the carrier expires, typically for a period of at least six years from the effective date of the plan. We determine that there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement when we have a commission agreement with a health insurance carrier. Our services are complete when a carrier has approved an application in the initial year and when a member has renewed in a renewal year.  The seller’s price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured when a carrier has approved an application and the carrier reports to us the annual or first monthly renewal commission amount for each plan year.
	Commissions for all health insurance plans we sell are reported to us by a cash payment and commission statement. We generally receive these communications simultaneously. In instances when we receive the cash payment and commission statement separately and in different accounting periods, we recognize revenue in the period that we receive the earliest communication, provided we receive the second corroborating communication shortly following the end of the accounting period. If the second corroborating communication is not received shortly following the end of the accounting period, we recognize revenue in the period the second communication is received. During 2014 CMS issued a regulation prohibiting carriers from paying commissions during the fourth quarter on Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans sold during the fourth quarter with an effective date in the following year. During the fourth quarter of 2014 we recognized revenue for policies included on a commission statement received prior to December 31, 2014 and for which payment was received shortly after year-end and in connection with the carriers’ normal payment cycle during the first quarter of 2015. We use the data in the commission statements to help identify the members for which we are receiving a commission payment and the amount received for each member, and to estimate future forfeiture amounts due to plan cancellations. As a result, we recognize the net amount of compensation earned as the agent in the transaction. Changes in our historical trends would result in changes to our estimated forfeitures in future periods. There were no changes in our average forfeiture rates or reporting time lag during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 which had a material impact on our estimate for forfeitures.
	Certain commission amounts are subject to forfeiture when the plan is subsequently cancelled and either the carrier takes back all or a portion of the commission they have paid to us or we will no longer receive monthly commission payments for the remainder of the plan year. We record an estimate for these forfeitures based on our historical cancellation experience using data provided on commission statements. Policy cancellations and the commission amounts, if any, to be taken back by the carrier are typically reported to us by health insurance carriers several months after the policy’s cancellation date. Our estimate for forfeitures payable to a carrier, which is included in Other Current Liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets, includes an estimate of both the reporting time lag and the forfeiture amount, based on our historical experience by policy type. Similarly, our estimate for commission amounts not expected to be collected due to policy cancellations, which is recorded as a reduction of Accounts Receivable in the consolidated balance sheets, includes an estimate of the annual policy cancellation rate, based on our historical experience by policy type.
	Other Revenue
	Our sponsorship and advertising program allows carriers to purchase advertising space in specific markets in a sponsorship area on our website. In return, we are typically paid a monthly fee, which is recognized over the period that advertising is displayed, and often a performance fee based on metrics such as submitted health insurance applications, which is recognized when the earned amount are fixed and determinable. We also offer Medicare advertising services, which include website development, hosting and maintenance. In these instances, we are typically paid a fixed, up-front fee, which we recognize as revenue over the service period.
	Our commercial technology licensing business allows carriers the use of our ecommerce platform to offer their own health insurance policies on their websites and agents to utilize our technology to power their online quoting, content and application submission processes. Typically, we are paid a one-time implementation fee, which we recognize on a straight-line basis over the estimated term of the customer relationship (generally the initial term of the agreement), commencing once the technology is available for use by the third party, and a performance fee based on metrics such as submitted health insurance applications. The metrics used to calculate performance fees for both sponsorship and advertising and technology licensing are based on performance criteria that are either measured based on data tracked by us, or based on data tracked by the third party. In instances where the performance criteria data is tracked by us, we recognize revenue in the period of performance and when all other revenue recognition criteria has been met. In instances where the performance criteria data is tracked by the third party, we recognize revenue when the amounts earned are either fixed or determinable and collection is reasonably assured. Typically, this occurs through our receipt of a cash payment from the third party along with a detailed statement containing the data that is tracked by the third party.
Deferred Revenue	Deferred Revenue—Deferred revenue includes deferred technology licensing implementation fees and amounts billed for deliverables, including professional services, in multiple element arrangements that do not have stand-alone value from other, undelivered elements as well as amounts billed or collected from sponsorship or technology licensing customers in advance of our performing our service for such customers. It also includes the amount by which both unbilled and billed services provided under our technology licensing arrangements exceed the straight-line revenue recognized to date. We defer commission amounts that have been paid to us related to transactions where our services are complete, but where we cannot currently estimate future forfeitures related to those amounts.
	We allocate revenue to all units of accounting within an arrangement with multiple deliverables at the inception of the arrangement using the relative selling price method. The relative selling price method allocates any discount in an arrangement proportionally to each deliverable on the basis of each deliverable’s relative selling price. The relative selling price established for each deliverable is based on vendor-specific objective evidence of fair value (“VSOE”) if available, third-party evidence of selling price if VSOE is not available, or best estimate of selling price if neither VSOE nor third-party evidence is available. When used, the best estimate of selling price reflects our best estimates of what the selling prices of certain deliverables would be if they were sold regularly on a stand-alone basis. Our process for determining best estimate of selling price for deliverables without VSOE or third-party evidence of selling price considers multiple factors that may vary depending upon the unique facts and circumstances related to each deliverable. Key factors considered by us in developing the relative selling prices for our technology licensing fees include prices charged by us for similar offerings and our historical pricing practices. We may also consider additional factors as appropriate, including competition.
	A deliverable constitutes a separate unit of accounting when it has stand-alone value and there are no customer-negotiated right of refunds for the delivered elements. If the arrangement includes a customer-negotiated right of refund relative to the delivered item, and the delivery and performance of the undelivered item is considered probable and substantially in our control, the delivered element constitutes a separate unit of accounting. In circumstances when the aforementioned criteria are not met, the deliverable is combined with the undelivered elements, and the allocation of the arrangement consideration and revenue recognition is determined for the combined unit as a single unit. Allocation of the consideration is determined at the inception of the arrangement on the basis of each unit’s relative selling price. After the arrangement consideration has been allocated to each unit of accounting based on their relative selling prices, we apply revenue recognition criteria separately to each respective unit of accounting in the arrangement in accordance with applicable accounting guidance.
Cost of Revenue	Cost of Revenue—Included in Cost of Revenue are payments related to health insurance policies sold to members who were referred to our website by marketing partners with whom we have revenue-sharing arrangements. In order to enter into a revenue-sharing arrangement, marketing partners must be licensed to sell health insurance in the state where the policy is sold. Costs related to revenue-sharing arrangements are expensed as the related revenue is recognized.
	Additionally, cost of revenue includes the amortization of consideration we paid to a broker partner in connection with the transfer of their Medicare-related health insurance members to us as the new broker of record on the underlying policies.
	Deferred Costs—Deferred costs primarily represent direct costs related to professional services provided in connection with technology licensing arrangements that are accounted for as a single unit of accounting.  The direct professional services costs are deferred up until the commencement of revenue recognition of the single unit and then recognized as cost of revenue ratably over the same period as the related revenue.
Marketing and Advertising Expenses	Marketing and Advertising Expenses—Marketing and advertising expenses consist primarily of member acquisition expenses associated with our direct, marketing partner and online advertising member acquisition channels, in addition to compensation and other expenses related to marketing, business development, partner management, public relations and carrier relations personnel who support our offerings. Advertising costs incurred in the years ended December 31, 2012,  2013 and 2014 totaled $50.3 million, $63.4 million and $61.3 million, respectively.
	Our direct channel expenses primarily consist of costs for direct mail, e-mail marketing, retargeting campaigns and may also include costs for television, radio, and print advertising. Advertising costs for our direct channel are expensed the first time the related advertising takes place. Our marketing partner channel expenses primarily consist of fees paid to marketing partners with which we have a relationship. Our online advertising channel expenses primarily consist of paid keyword search advertising on search engines. Advertising costs for our marketing partner channel and our online advertising channel are expensed as incurred.
Research and Development Expenses	Research and Development Expenses—Research and development expenses consist primarily of compensation and related expenses incurred for employees on our engineering and technical teams. Research and development costs, which totaled $8.4 million, $10.1 million and $12.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively, are included in technology and content expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).
Internal-Use Software and Website Development Costs	Internal-Use Software and Website Development Costs—We capitalize costs of materials, consultants and compensation and benefits costs of employees who devote time to the development of internal-use software during the application development stage. Our judgment is required in determining the point at which various projects enter the phases at which costs may be capitalized, in assessing the ongoing value of the capitalized costs and in determining the estimated useful lives over which the costs are amortized, which is generally three years. During the year ended December 31, 2014, we capitalized $1.2 million in internal-use software and website development costs. During the year ended December 31, 2014 we recorded amortization expense of $0.2 million related to internal-use software and website development costs. Amortization expense for internal-use software and website development costs was not material for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation—We recognize stock-based compensation expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) based on the fair value of our stock-based awards over their respective vesting periods, which is generally four years. The estimated grant date fair value of our stock options is determined using the Black-Scholes-Merton pricing model and a single option award approach. The weighted-average expected term for stock options granted is calculated using historical option exercise behavior. The dividend yield is determined by dividing the expected per share dividend during the coming year by the grant date stock price. Through December 31, 2014, we had not declared or paid any cash dividends, and we do not expect to pay any in the foreseeable future. We base the risk-free interest rate on the implied yield currently available on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with a remaining term equal to the expected term of our stock options. Expected volatility is determined using a combination of the implied volatility of publicly traded options in our stock and historical volatility of our stock price. The estimated attainment of performance-based awards and related expense is based on the expectations of revenue target achievement. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of stock-based payment awards and expected attainment of performance-based awards represent our best estimates, but these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management judgment. We will continue to use judgment in evaluating the expected term and volatility related to our own stock-based awards on a prospective basis, and incorporating these factors into the model. Changes in key assumptions could significantly impact the valuation of such instruments.
401(k) Plan	401(k) Plan—In September 1998, our board of directors adopted a defined contribution retirement plan (401(k) Plan), which qualifies under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Participation in the 401(k) Plan is available to substantially all employees in the United States. Employees can contribute up to 25% of their salary, up to the federal maximum allowable limit, on a before-tax basis to the 401(k) Plan. Employee contributions are fully vested when contributed. Company contributions to the 401(k) Plan are discretionary and are expensed when incurred. In April 2006, we began matching employee contributions to our 401(k) Plan at 25% of an employee’s contribution each pay period, up to a maximum of 1% of the employee’s salary during such pay period. Our matching contributions are expensed as incurred and vest one-third for each of the first three years of the recipient’s service. The recipient is fully vested in all 401(k) Plan matching contributions after three years of service. We recognized expense of $0.2 million, $0.3 million, and $0.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013, and 2014, respectively, related to 401(k) matching contributions.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes—We account for income taxes using the liability method. Deferred income taxes are determined based on the differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities, using enacted statutory tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse.
	We consider stock option deduction benefits in excess of book compensation charges realized when we obtain an incremental benefit determined by the “With and Without” calculation method. Under the “With and Without” approach, excess tax benefits related to share-based payments are not deemed to be realized until after the utilization of all other tax benefits available to us. For example, net operating loss and tax credit carry forwards from prior years are used to reduce taxes currently payable prior to deductions from stock option exercises for purposes of financial reporting, while for tax return purposes, current year stock compensation deductions are generally used before net operating loss carry forwards. Indirect effects of excess tax benefits, such as the effect on research and development tax credits, are not considered.
	We utilize a two-step approach for evaluating uncertain tax positions. Step one, Recognition, requires a company to determine if the weight of available evidence indicates that a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. Step two, Measurement, is based on the largest amount of benefit, which is more likely than not to be realized on ultimate settlement. We record interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as income tax expense in the consolidated financial statements.
Seasonality	Seasonality— In periods prior to the fourth quarter of 2013, the number of individual and family health insurance applications submitted through our ecommerce platform generally increased in our first quarter compared to our fourth quarter and in our third quarter compared to our second quarter. Conversely, we generally experienced a decline or flattening of individual and family submitted applications in our second quarter compared to our first quarter and in our fourth quarter compared to our third quarter.
	This trend changed in the fourth quarter of 2013 and first quarter of 2014 as a result of a significant increase, relative to historical levels, in the number of individual and family applications submitted during the initial open enrollment period under the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and related amendments in the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act, that began on October 1, 2013 and ended on March 31, 2014. This trend continued in the fourth quarter of 2014 as the number of individual and family applications submitted during the open enrollment period that began on November 15, 2014 increased compared to periods outside of the open enrollment period.
	The majority of Medicare plans are sold in our fourth quarter during the Medicare annual enrollment period, when Medicare-eligible individuals are permitted to change their Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage for the following year. As a result, we generate a significant amount of Medicare plan-related revenue in the fourth quarter of the year resulting from the sale of new Medicare plans. Additionally, historically we recognized a majority of our renewal Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D prescription drug plan commission revenue in the first quarter of each year as the majority of policies renewed on January 1 of each year. This trend continued in 2014 due to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or CMS, regulations that changed the definition of a plan year from being twelve months from the effective date of a policy to January 1 through December 31 of each year, causing all Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D prescription drug policies to renew on January 1 of each year.
	Since a significant portion of our marketing and advertising expenses consists of expenses incurred in search engine advertising at the time a consumer clicks on an advertisement and payments owed to our marketing partners in connection with health insurance applications submitted on our ecommerce platform, those expenses are influenced by seasonal submitted application patterns. As a result, in periods prior to the fourth quarter of 2013, marketing and advertising expenses related to individual and family health insurance plans have been highest in our first and third quarters, while marketing and advertising expenses related to Medicare-related plans have been highest in our third and fourth quarters. However, these historical trends were impacted by the initial open enrollment period for individual and family plans that began in October 2013 and ended on March 31, 2014. Marketing and advertising expenses increased significantly in the fourth quarter of 2013 and first quarter of 2014, relative to historical levels, and decreased significantly during the second and third quarters of 2014, consistent with the respective increases and decreases in submitted applications. During the fourth quarter of 2014, marketing and advertising expenses increased significantly in line with the open enrollment period that began on November 15, 2014.
	As a result of our seasonal trends in years prior to 2013, our revenue was highest in the fourth quarter of the year and our profitability was highest in the first quarter. However, in connection with the initial open enrollment period for individual and family plans which began on October 1, 2013 and ended on March 31, 2014, as well as the Medicare annual enrollment period for Medicare plans in the fourth quarter of 2013, we experienced an increase in revenue in both the fourth quarter of 2013 and the first quarter of 2014 compared to the fourth quarter of 2012 and first quarter of 2013, respectively. However, given our significantly higher marketing and advertising expenses associated with the increase in the number of individual and family health insurance applications and Medicare related health insurance applications during the enrollment periods without a commensurate level of additional revenue resulting from applicants who did not convert to members, we incurred a net loss in the fourth quarter of 2013, the first quarter of 2014 and the fourth quarter of 2014. Conversely, in both the second and third quarters of 2014, we recorded net income due to significantly lower marketing and advertising expenses associated with the decrease in the number of individual and family health insurance applications outside of the open enrollment period and increased revenue resulting from members who submitted applications during the open enrollment period in the prior respective quarters.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncement-In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 (ASU 2014-09) “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” ASU 2014-09 supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in “Revenue Recognition (Topic 605)”, and requires an entity to recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period and can be adopted using either a full retrospective or modified retrospective approach. Early adoption is not permitted. We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 on our consolidated financial statements.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-15, (ASU 2015-15) “Going Concern.” ASU 2014-15 requires management of all entities to evaluate whether there are conditions and events that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the financial statements are issued (or available to be issued when applicable). The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 and for interim periods within that fiscal year. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
	Recently Adopted Accounting Standards-Effective January 1, 2014, we adopted an accounting standards update with new guidance on the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits. This standard requires an entity to present an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, except: to the extent a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position or the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets.  The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
Stock Plans	Stock Plans—On June 12, 2014, upon approval at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders, we adopted the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2014 Plan”). The 2014 Plan replaced the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan and 4,500,000 shares were authorized for issuance under the 2014 Plan. The 2014 Plan does not include an evergreen provision to automatically increase the number of shares available under it and increases in the number of shares authorized for issuance under the 2014 Plan require stockholder approval. Also, under the 2014 Plan the following shares are not recycled for future grant under the 2014 Plan: (i) shares used in connection with the exercise of an option and/or stock appreciation right to pay the exercise price or purchase price of such award or satisfy applicable tax withholding obligations; and (ii) the gross number of shares subject to stock appreciation rights that are exercised. Furthermore, the 2014 Plan included a provision that prohibits repricing of outstanding stock options or stock appreciation rights and formalized and updated procedures to qualify awards as “performance-based” compensation under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code in order to preserve full tax deductibility of such awards.
	We previously granted options to purchase shares of our common stock and restricted stock units under our 2006 Equity Incentive Plan and 2005 Stock Plan. The 2006 Equity Incentive Plan was terminated with respect to the grant of additional awards on June 12, 2014, upon adoption of our 2014 Plan. The 2005 Stock Plan was terminated with respect to the grant of additional awards upon the effectiveness of the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan. We will continue to issue new shares of common stock upon vesting of restricted stock units and the exercise of stock options previously granted under the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan and 2005 Stock Plan.
	Our stock options and restricted stock awards granted under the 2014 Plan, 2006 Plan and 2005 Stock Plan (collectively, the “Stock Plans”) generally vest over 4 years at a rate of 25% after one year and 1/48th per month thereafter. Our stock options granted prior to December 31, 2007 generally expire after ten years from the date of grant. Stock options granted subsequent to December 31, 2007 generally expire after seven years from the date of grant. As of
	On December 31, 2014, no shares were subject to repurchase. Our restricted stock unit awards granted under the 2006 Plan generally vest over four years at a rate of 25% after one year and 25% annually thereafter.

Summary_of_Business_and_Signif2

Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule Of Property And Equipment Useful Life	Depreciation and amortization is computed using the straight-line method based on estimated useful lives as follows:
	Computer equipment and software	3 to 5 years
	Office equipment and furniture	5 years
	Leasehold improvements	Lesser of useful life (typically 5 to 10 years) or related lease term

Balance_Sheet_Accounts_Tables

Balance Sheet Accounts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents	As of December 31, 2013 and 2014, our cash and cash equivalent balances were invested as follows (in thousands):
		December 31, 2013				December 31, 2014
	Cash	$	16,935			$	15,793
	Money market funds	90,120				35,622
	Total cash and cash equivalents	$	107,055			$	51,415
Schedule Of Accounts Receivable	As of December 31, 2013 and 2014, our accounts receivable consisted of the following (in thousands):
		December 31, 2013				December 31, 2014
	Accounts receivable – for other revenues	$	1,995			$	2,462
	Medicare renewal commissions receivable	2,121				355
	Other commissions receivable	470				5,383
	Total accounts receivable	$	4,586			$	8,200
Schedule Of Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets	Prepaid expenses and other current assets consisted of the following (in thousands):
		As of December 31,
		2013				2014
	Book-of-business transfers, net (current)	$	2,937			$	1,844
	Income tax receivable	1,405				276
	Prepaid maintenance contracts (current)	1,794				1,994
	Prepaid insurance	534				1,056
	Prepaid rent	364				366
	Other assets (current)	1,330				938
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	8,364			$	6,474
Schedule Of Property And Equipment	Property and equipment consisted of the following (in thousands)
		As of December 31,
		2013				2014
	Computer equipment and software	$	14,929			$	17,009
	Office equipment and furniture	3,087				3,486
	Leasehold improvements	3,279				3,200
	Property and equipment, gross	21,295				23,695
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(11,012		)		(14,055		)
	Property and equipment, net	$	10,283			$	9,640
Schedule Of Other Assets	Other assets consisted of the following (in thousands):
		As of December 31,
		2013				2014
	Book-of-business transfers, net (non-current)	$	4,447			$	3,545
	Security deposits	466				604
	Capitalized project costs	280				1,306
	Prepaid maintenance contracts (non-current)	325				224
	Other assets	$	5,518			$	5,679
Schedule Of Intangible Assets	The carrying amounts,  accumulated amortization, net carrying value and weighted average remaining life of our definite-lived amortizable intangible assets, as well as our indefinite-lived intangible trademarks, are presented in the tables below for (dollars in thousands, weighted-average useful life is as of December 31, 2014):
		December 31, 2013									December 31, 2014							Weighted Average Remaining Life
		Gross Carrying Amount							Net Carrying Amount		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount		31-Dec-14
						Accumulated Amortization
	Technology	$	1,752			$	(1,277	)	$	475	$	1,700	$	(1,587	)	$	113	0.4 years
	Pharmacy and customer relationships	10,410				(4,267		)	$	6,143	10,100		(5,033		)	$	5,067	5.3 years
	Trade names, trademarks and website addresses	907				(336		)	$	571	907		(427		)	$	480	5.3 years
	Total intangible assets subject to amortization	$	13,069			$	(5,880	)	7,189		$	12,707	$	(7,047	)	5,660
	Indefinite-lived trademarks and domain names								307							5,114		Indefinite
	Intangible assets								$	7,496						$	10,774
Schedule Of Intangible Assets Future Amortization Expense	As of December 31, 2014, expected amortization expense in future periods is as follows (in thousands):
	Years Ending December 31,	Technology			Pharmacy and Customer Relationships			Trade Names, Trademarks and Website Addresses		Total
	2015	113			950			91		1,154
	2016				950			91		1,041
	2017				950			91		1,041
	2018				950			91		1,041
	2019				950			91		1,041
	Thereafter				317			25		342
	Total	113			5,067			480		5,660
Schedule Of Other Current Liabilities	Other current liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):
		As of December 31,
		2013				2014
	Payable to carriers – estimate for forfeitures	$	1,860			$	2,206
	Professional fees	380				230
	Other accrued expenses	321				560
	Total other current liabilities	$	2,561			$	2,996
Schedule Of Non-Current Liabilities	Non-current liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):
		As of December 31,
		2013				2014
	Deferred rent – non-current	$	1,210			$	1,196
	Income tax payable – non-current	4,493				4,605
	Deferred tax liabilities - non-current	—				410
	Other non-current liabilities	462				238
	Total non-current liabilities	$	6,165			$	6,449

Fair_Value_Measurements_Fair_V

Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Classifications of Fair Value Hierarchy	We classify the inputs used to measure fair value into the following hierarchy:
	Level 1	Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
	Level 2	Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, or
		Unadjusted quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or
		Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability
	Level 3	Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Common Stock Shares Reserved For Future Issuance	Shares of authorized but unissued common stock reserved for future issuance were as follows (in thousands):
		As of December 31,
		2013			2014
	Common stock:
	Stock options issued and outstanding	1,979			1,724
	Restricted stock units issued and outstanding	779			873
	Shares available for grant	4,085			4,164
	Total shares reserved	6,843			6,761
Schedule Of Activity Under Stock Plans	The following table summarizes activity under our Stock Plans (in thousands):
		Shares Available for Grant (1)
	Shares available for grant December 31, 2011	3,870
	Reduction in number of authorized shares (2)	(2	)
	Additional shares authorized (3)	795
	Restricted stock units granted (4)	(265	)
	Options granted	(846	)
	Restricted stock units cancelled (5)	121
	Options cancelled	309
	Shares available for grant December 31, 2012	3,982
	Reduction in number of authorized shares (2)
	Additional shares authorized (3)	818
	Restricted stock units granted (4)	(595	)
	Options granted	(227	)
	Restricted stock units cancelled (5)	24
	Options cancelled	83
	Shares available for grant December 31, 2013	4,085
	Additional shares authorized (3)	751
	Restricted stock units granted (4)	(563	)
	Options granted	(52	)
	Restricted stock units cancelled (5)	25
	Options cancelled	16
	2014 Equity Incentive Plan adjustment (6)	(98	)
	Shares available for grant December 31, 2014	4,164
	-1	Shares available for grant do not include treasury stock shares that could be granted if we determined to do so.
	-2	The 1998 and 2005 Stock Plans were terminated with respect to the grant of additional shares upon the effective date of the registration statement related to our initial public offering in October 2006, resulting in reductions in the total number of shares authorized for issuance.
	-3	On January 1, 2012,  2013 and 2014, the number of shares authorized for issuance under the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan was automatically increased pursuant to the terms of the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan.
	-4	2012, 2013 and 2014 include grants of restricted stock units with both service and performance-based vesting criteria to our executive officers.
	-5	2012, 2013 and 2014 include cancelled restricted stock units with both service and performance-based vesting criteria.
	-6	On June 12, 2014, shares available for grant were adjusted to 4,500,000 pursuant to the terms of the 2014 Plan.
Schedule Of Stock Option Share Activity Under Stock Plans
		Number of Stock Options			Weighted Average Exercise Price				Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (1)
	Balance outstanding at December 31, 2011	3,412			$	11.36			3.8		17,078
	Granted	846			$	17.76
	Exercised	(993	)		$	8.51					10,512
	Cancelled	(309	)		$	18.39
	Balance outstanding at December 31, 2012	2,956			$	13.41			3.91		41,462
	Granted	227			$	28.82
	Exercised	(1,121	)		$	8.22					22,486
	Cancelled	(83	)		$	18.4
	Balance outstanding at December 31, 2013	1,979			$	17.91			4.2		56,569
	Granted	52			$	36.26
	Exercised	(256	)		$	16.04					6,472
	Cancelled	(51	)		$	26.38
	Balance outstanding at December 31, 2014	1,724			$	18.5			3.31		12,884
	Vested and expected to vest after December 31, 2014	1,685			$	18.38			3.27		12,690
	Exercisable at December 31, 2014	1,266			$	17.1			2.75		10,413
	-1	The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between eHealth’s closing stock price as of December 31 of each year presented and the exercise price of in-the-money options as of those dates.
Schedule Of Restricted Stock Unit Activity Under Stock Plans	The following table summarizes restricted stock unit activity under the Stock Plans (in thousands, except weighted-average grant date fair value and weighted-average remaining contractual life data):
		Number of Restricted Stock Units (1)			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value				Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (2)
	Balance outstanding at December 31, 2011	474			$	14.72			1.92		$	6,958
	Granted	265			$	17.61
	Vested	(237	)		$	15.49
	Cancelled	(121	)		$	14.04
	Balance outstanding at December 31, 2012	381			$	16.21			2.22		$	10,464
	Granted	595			$	20.73
	Vested	(173	)		$	15.78
	Cancelled	(24	)		$	17.33
	Balance outstanding at December 31, 2013	779			$	19.57			2.3		$	36,220
	Granted	563			$	37.56
	Vested	(220	)		$	19.59
	Cancelled	(249	)		$	20.62
	Balance outstanding at December 31, 2014	873			$	30.86			2.52		$	21,753
	-1	Includes restricted stock units with both service and performance-based vesting criteria granted to our executive officers.
	-2	The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as eHealth’s closing stock price as of December 31 multiplied by the number of restricted stock units outstanding.
Schedule Of Stock Repurchase Activity Under Stock Repurchase Programs	Stock repurchase activity under our stock repurchase programs during the year ended December 31, 2012,  2013 and 2014 is summarized as follows (dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts):
		Total Number of Shares Purchased			Average Price Paid per Share (1)				Amount of Repurchase
	Cumulative balance at December 31, 2011	5,797,806			$	14.07			$	81,557
	Repurchases of common stock during 2012	599,997			$	15.72			9,434
	Cumulative balance at December 31, 2012	6,397,803			$	14.22			90,991
	Repurchases of common stock during 2013	2,911,466			$	20.27			59,007
	Cumulative balance at December 31, 2013	9,309,269			$	16.11			149,998
	Repurchases of common stock during 2014	1,354,619			$	36.91			50,000
	Cumulative balance at December 31, 2014	10,663,888			$	18.75			$	199,998
	-1	Average price paid per share includes commissions.
Schedule Of Fair Value Of Stock Options Granted, Valuation Assumptions	The fair value of stock options granted to employees for the years ended December  31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 was estimated using the following weighted average assumptions:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2012		2013		2014
	Expected term	4.6		4.3		4.2
	Expected volatility	43.90%		39.30%		47.20%
	Expected dividend yield	—%		—%		—%
	Risk-free interest rate	0.85%		0.96%		1.41%
	Weighted-average grant date fair value	$6.65		$9.52		$14.10
Schedule Of Stock-Based Compensation Expense By Award Type	The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense recorded during the years ended December  31,  2012,  2013 and 2014 (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2012			2013			2014
	Common stock options	2,787			2,817			2,215
	Restricted stock units	2,835			4,985			3,662
	Total stock-based compensation expense	5,622			7,802			5,877
Schedule Of Stock-Based Compensation Expense By Operating Function	The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense by operating function for the years ended December  31,  2012,  2013 and 2014 (in thousands):
		Year  Ended December 31,
		2012				2013				2014
	Marketing and advertising	$	1,215			$	2,112			$	1,692
	Customer care and enrollment	321				342				386
	Technology and content	1,021				1,641				1,611
	General and administrative	3,065				3,707				2,188
	Total stock-based compensation expense	$	5,622			$	7,802			$	5,877

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule Of Income Before Income Tax, Domestic And Foreign	The components of our income (loss) before provision for income taxes were as follows (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2012				2013				2014
	United States	$	13,475			$	3,412			$	(7,057	)
	Foreign	(23		)		228				197
	Income (loss) before provision for income taxes	$	13,452			$	3,640			$	(6,860	)
Schedule Of Components Of Income Tax Expense	The provision (benefit) for income taxes consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2012				2013				2014
	Current:
	Federal	$	5,009			$	3,650			$	165
	State	373				269				113
	Foreign	—				—				14
	Total current	5,382				3,919				292
	Deferred:
	Federal	819				(1,914		)		7,935
	State	169				(88		)		1,292
	Foreign	—				—				(174		)
	Total deferred	988				(2,002		)		9,053
	Provision for income taxes	$	6,370			$	1,917			$	9,345
Schedule Of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	The following table provides a reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate to our effective tax rate:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2012			2013			2014
	Federal statutory rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	State income taxes	3.5			3.9			1.6
	Non-qualified stock option shortfalls, net	6.5			—			—
	Lobbying	4.7			17.4			(6.3	)
	Change in Valuation Allowance	—			—			(164.7	)
	Research and development tax credits	—			(8.8	)		3.4
	Stock-based compensation	0.4			1.2			(0.8	)
	Section 162(m) limitation	0.2			2.3			(2.7	)
	Other	(2.9	)		1.7			(1.8	)
	Effective tax rate	47.4	%		52.7	%		(136.3	)%
Schedule Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities	Significant components of our deferred tax assets were as follows (in thousands):
		As of December 31,
		2013				2014
	Deferred tax assets:
	Federal, state and foreign net operating loss carry forwards	$	1,953			$	3,678
	Federal and state tax credit carry forwards	599				1,076
	Stock-based compensation	4,584				4,585
	Accruals and reserves	2,953				1,549
	Intangible assets	1,969				2,138
	Other	905				1,080
	Gross deferred tax assets	12,963				14,106
	Valuation allowance	(595		)		(11,747		)
	Total deferred tax assets	12,368				2,359
	Deferred tax liabilities – intangible assets	(2,617		)		(2,076		)
	Deferred tax liabilities – fixed assets	(723		)		(307		)
	Total net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	$	9,028			$	(24	)
	Net deferred tax assets – current	$	4,459			$	386
	Net deferred tax assets (liabilities) – non-current	4,569				(410		)
	Total net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	$	9,028			$	(24	)
Schedule Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of our unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):
		Unrecognized Tax Benefits
	Balance at December 31, 2011	$	4,299
	Decreases based on tax positions related to the prior year	(45		)
	Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	296
	Settlements	—
	Balance at December 31, 2012	4,550
	Increases based on tax positions related to the prior year	223
	Lapse of statute of limitations	(66		)
	Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	890
	Settlements	—
	Balance at December 31, 2013	5,597
	Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	1,159
	Settlements	—
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	6,756

Net_Income_Loss_Per_Share_Tabl

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule Of Computation Of Basic And Diluted Net Income Per Share	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2012			2013			2014
	Basic:
	Numerator:
	Net income (loss) allocated to common stock	$	7,082		$	1,723		$	(16,205	)
	Denominator:
	Net weighted average number of common stock shares outstanding	19,867			19,145			18,367
	Net income (loss) per share—basic:	$	0.36		$	0.09		$	(0.88	)
	Diluted:
	Numerator:
	Net income (loss) allocated to common stock	$	7,082		$	1,723		$	(16,205	)
	Denominator:
	Net weighted average number of common stock shares outstanding	19,867			19,145			18,367
	Weighted average number of options	774			548			—
	Weighted average number of restricted stock units	112			153			—
	Total common stock shares used in per share calculation	20,753			19,846			18,367
	Net income (loss) per share—diluted:	$	0.34		$	0.09		$	(0.88	)
Schedule Of Anti-dilutive Shares Excluded From Computation Of Net Income Per Share	The number of outstanding weighted average anti-dilutive shares that were excluded from the computation of diluted net income (loss) per share consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2012		2013			2014
	Common stock options	1,276		92			1,815
	Restricted stock units	4		6			728
	Total	1,280		98			2,543

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule Of Future Minimum Rental Payments For Operating Leases	The following table presents a summary of our future minimum payments under non-cancellable operating lease agreements and contractual service and licensing obligations as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
	Years Ending December 31,	Operating Lease Obligations		Service and Licensing Obligations		Total Obligations
	2015	$	4,721	$	2,921	$	7,642
	2016	4,400		688		5,088
	2017	4,350		216		4,566
	2018	3,183		—		3,183
	2019	1,045		—		1,045
	Thereafter	3,521		—		3,521
	Total	$	21,220	$	3,825	$	25,045

Operating_Segments_Geographic_1

Operating Segments, Geographic Information and Significant Customers (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule Of Long Lived Assets By Geographical Areas	Our long-lived assets are attributed to the geographic location in which they are located. Long-lived assets by geographical area were as follows (in thousands):
		31-Dec-13			31-Dec-14
	United States	$	37,046		$	39,752
	China	347			437
	Total	$	37,393		$	40,189
Schedule Of Revenue By Major Customers	Carriers representing 10% or more of our total revenue for the years ended December  31,  2012,  2013 and 2014 are presented in the table below:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2012		2013			2014
	Humana	18	%	21	%		23	%
	WellPoint (1)	13	%	12	%		11	%
	UnitedHealthcare (2)	12	%	11	%		10	%
	Aetna (3)	8	%	10	%		10	%
	-1	Wellpoint also includes other carriers owned by Wellpoint.
	-2	UnitedHealthcare also includes other carriers owned by UnitedHealthcare.
	-3	Aetna also includes other carriers owned by Aetna.

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D1

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Schedule Of Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	Selected summarized quarterly financial information for 2014 and 2013 is as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):
	2014	1st  Quarter			2ND Quarter		3RD Quarter		4TH Quarter			Year
	Revenue	$	50,940		$	42,594	$	41,168	$	44,975		$	179,677
	Income (loss) from operations	(3,110		)	6,348		3,766		(13,766		)	$	(6,762	)
	Net income (loss)	(1,553		)	3,023		1,524		(19,199		)	$	(16,205	)
	Net income (loss) per share:
	Basic	$	(0.08	)	$	0.16	$	0.09	$	(1.08	)	$	(0.88	)
	Diluted	$	(0.08	)	$	0.15	$	0.08	$	(1.08	)	$	(0.88	)
	2013	1st  Quarter			2ND Quarter		3RD Quarter		4TH Quarter			Year
	Revenue	$	43,207		$	39,800	$	42,008	$	54,165		$	179,180
	Income (loss) from operations	3,941			2,031		403		(2,644		)	3,732
	Net income (loss)	2,361			1,146		174		(1,960		)	1,723
	Net income (loss) per share:
	Basic	$	0.11		$	0.06	$	0.01	$	(0.11	)	$	0.09
	Diluted	$	0.11		$	0.06	$	0.01	$	(0.11	)	$	0.09

Summary_of_Business_and_Signif3

Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			20 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012
	state
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Number of states in which the Company is licensed to market and sell health insurance	50
Book-of-business transfers consideration, total to date			$6.30	$13.90
Amortization expense of consideration	2	3.1	2.7
Advertising expense	61.3	63.4	50.3
Research and development expense	12.1	10.1	8.4
Capitalized web development costs	1.2
Amortization of capitalized web development costs	0.2
Vesting term for awards	4 years
Maximum annual contribution per employee	25.00%
401(k), employer matching contribution percent	1.00%
Matching contributions vesting period	3 years
Matching contributions made to 401(k) plan	$0.40	$0.30	$0.20

Summary_of_Business_and_Signif4

Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule Of Property And Equipment Useful Life) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Computer Equipment And Software [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment useful life	3 years
Computer Equipment And Software [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment useful life	5 years
Office Equipment And Furniture [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment useful life	5 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	Lesser of useful life (typically 5 to 10 years) or related lease term
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment useful life	5 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment useful life	10 years

Balance_Sheet_Accounts_Narrati

Balance Sheet Accounts (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2014
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Accounts receivable		$8,200,000		$8,200,000	$4,586,000
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization				4,200,000	3,300,000	2,400,000
Intangible asset impairment charge		100,000	300,000
Amortization of acquired intangible assets				1,529,000	1,414,000	1,615,000
Acquired indefinite-lived intangible assets	4,800,000
Cash paid for intangible assets acquired	4,500,000			4,500,000	0	0
Outstanding receivables	300,000						300,000
Other commissions receivable [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Accounts receivable		5,383,000		5,383,000	470,000
Accounts Receivable [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of significant customers		3		3	2
Concentration risk, percentage				61.00%	52.00%
Customer One [Member] | Accounts Receivable [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage				30.00%	37.00%
Customer Two [Member] | Accounts Receivable [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage				17.00%	15.00%
Customer Three [Member] | Accounts Receivable [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage				14.00%
Allowance for Receivables [Member] | Other commissions receivable [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Allowance for estimated forfeitures		$1,000,000		$1,000,000

Balance_Sheet_Accounts_Schedul

Balance Sheet Accounts (Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Cash	$15,793	$16,935
Money market funds	35,622	90,120
Total cash and cash equivalents	$51,415	$107,055	$140,849	$123,607

Balance_Sheet_Accounts_Schedul1

Balance Sheet Accounts (Schedule of Accounts Receivable) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total accounts receivable	$8,200	$4,586
Accounts receivable - for other revenues [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total accounts receivable	2,462	1,995
Medicare renewal commissions receivable [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total accounts receivable	355	2,121
Other commissions receivable [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total accounts receivable	$5,383	$470

Balance_Sheet_Accounts_Schedul2

Balance Sheet Accounts (Schedule of Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Book-of-business transfers, net (current)	$1,844	$2,937
Income tax receivable	276	1,405
Prepaid maintenance contracts (current)	1,994	1,794
Prepaid insurance	1,056	534
Prepaid rent	366	364
Other assets (current)	938	1,330
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$6,474	$8,364

Balance_Sheet_Accounts_Schedul3

Balance Sheet Accounts (Schedule of Property and Equipment) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Computer equipment and software	$17,009	$14,929
Office equipment and furniture	3,486	3,087
Leasehold improvements	3,200	3,279
Property and equipment, gross	23,695	21,295
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	-14,055	-11,012
Property and equipment, net	$9,640	$10,283

Balance_Sheet_Accounts_Schedul4

Balance Sheet Accounts (Schedule of Other Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Book-of-business transfers, net (non-current)	$3,545	$4,447
Security deposits	604	466
Capitalized project costs	1,306	280
Prepaid maintenance contracts (non-current)	224	325
Other assets	$5,679	$5,518

Balance_Sheet_Accounts_Schedul5

Balance Sheet Accounts (Schedule of Intangible Assets) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule Of Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$12,707	$13,069
Accumulated Amortization	-7,047	-5,880
Total finite-lived intangible assets, net	5,660	7,189
Indefinite-lived trademarks and domain names	5,114	307
Intangible assets	10,774	7,496
Technology [Member]
Schedule Of Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	1,700	1,752
Accumulated Amortization	-1,587	-1,277
Total finite-lived intangible assets, net	113	475
Weighted Average Remaining Life	0 years 4 months 24 days
Pharmacy And Customer Relationships [Member]
Schedule Of Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	10,100	10,410
Accumulated Amortization	-5,033	-4,267
Total finite-lived intangible assets, net	5,067	6,143
Weighted Average Remaining Life	5 years 3 months 18 days
Trade Names, Trademarks and Website Addresses [Member]
Schedule Of Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	907	907
Accumulated Amortization	-427	-336
Total finite-lived intangible assets, net	$480	$571
Weighted Average Remaining Life	5 years 3 months 18 days

Balance_Sheet_Accounts_Schedul6

Balance Sheet Accounts (Schedule of Intangible Asset Future Amortization Expense) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
2015	$1,154
2016	1,041
2017	1,041
2018	1,041
2019	1,041
Thereafter	342
Total finite-lived intangible assets, net	5,660	7,189
Technology [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
2015	113
2016
2017
2018
2019
Total finite-lived intangible assets, net	113	475
Pharmacy And Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
2015	950
2016	950
2017	950
2018	950
2019	950
Thereafter	317
Total finite-lived intangible assets, net	5,067	6,143
Trade Names, Trademarks and Website Addresses [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
2015	91
2016	91
2017	91
2018	91
2019	91
Thereafter	25
Total finite-lived intangible assets, net	$480	$571

Balance_Sheet_Accounts_Schedul7

Balance Sheet Accounts (Schedule of Other Current Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Payable to carriers – estimate for forfeitures	$2,206	$1,860
Professional fees	230	380
Other accrued expenses	560	321
Total other current liabilities	$2,996	$2,561

Balance_Sheet_Accounts_Schedul8

Balance Sheet Accounts (Schedule of Non-Current Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Deferred rent – non-current	$1,196	$1,210
Income tax payable – non-current	4,605	4,493
Deferred tax liabilities - non-current	410	0
Other non-current liabilities	238	462
Total non-current liabilities	$6,449	$6,165

Fair_Value_Measurements_Narrat

Fair Value Measurements (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Impairment charge	$0.40

Stockholders_Equity_Narrative_

Stockholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Feb. 28, 2012

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jun. 12, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 06, 2013

Sep. 10, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Jun. 14, 2011

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Shares authorized

110,000,000

Preferred stock, par value per share

$0.00

$0.00

Preferred stock, shares authorized

10,000,000

10,000,000

Preferred stock, shares outstanding

0

0

Shares available for grant

4,164,000

[1]

4,085,000

[1]

3,982,000

[1]

4,500,000

3,870,000

[1]

Vesting term for awards

4 years

Share-based compensation expense

$5,877,000

$7,802,000

$5,622,000

Total fair value of options vested

2,300,000

3,300,000

2,400,000

Unrecognized stock-based compensation, options

3,600,000

Total fair value of restricted stock units vested

10,300,000

3,500,000

3,800,000

Unrecognized stock-based compensation, restricted stock units

13,400,000

Stock repurchase program, authorized amount

50,000,000

60,000,000

30,000,000

30,000,000

Aggregate number of shares repurchased under stock repurchase program

1,400,000

2,957,179

2,200,000

Cost of repurchased shares under stock repurchase program

50,000,000

60,000,000

30,000,000

Average price per share of stock repurchased under stock repurchase program

$36.91

$20.29

$13.78

$36.91

[2]

$20.27

[2]

$15.72

[2]

Shares surrendered to satisfy tax withholding requirements

281,719

Treasury stock number of shares held

10,945,607

9,519,286

Common stock options [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Recognition period for unrecognized stock-based compensation expense

2 years 3 months 18 days

Restricted stock units [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Vesting term for awards

2 years 10 months 16 days

Restricted Stock Units [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Share-based compensation expense

1,100,000

Reversal of share-based compensation expense

$1,100,000

Period One [Member] | Common stock options [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Vesting term for awards

4 years 0 months 0 days

Vesting percent

25.00%

Period One [Member] | Restricted stock units [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Vesting term for awards

4 years

Vesting percent

25.00%

Period Two [Member] | Common stock options [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Vesting term for awards

1 year

Vesting percent

25.00%

Period Two [Member] | Restricted stock units [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Vesting term for awards

1 year

Vesting percent

25.00%

Prior to December 31, 2007 [Member] | Common stock options [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Expiration period for awards

10 years

Subsequent to December 31, 2007 [Member] | Common stock options [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Expiration period for awards

7 years

[1]

Shares available for grant do not include treasury stock shares that could be granted if we determined to do so.

[2]

Average price paid per share includes commissions.

Stockholders_Equity_Schedule_o

Stockholders' Equity (Schedule of Shares Reserved) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2014		Jun. 12, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stock options issued and outstanding	1,724,000			1,979,000
Restricted stock units issued and outstanding	873,000			779,000
Shares available for grant	4,164,000	[1]	4,500,000	4,085,000	[1]	3,982,000	[1]	3,870,000	[1]
Total shares reserved	6,761,000			6,843,000
[1]	Shares available for grant do not include treasury stock shares that could be granted if we determined to do so.

Stockholders_Equity_Schedule_o1

Stockholders' Equity (Schedule of Stock Plan Activity) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Jun. 12, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Movement in Shares Available for Grant [Roll Forward]
Shares available for grant	4,085,000	[1]	3,982,000	[1]	3,870,000	[1]	4,500,000
Reduction in number of authorized shares				[1],[2]	-2,000	[1],[2]
Additional shares authorized	751,000	[1],[3]	818,000	[1],[3]	795,000	[1],[3]
Restricted stock units granted	-563,000	[1],[4]	-595,000	[1],[4]	-265,000	[1],[4]
Options granted	-52,000	[1]	-227,000	[1]	-846,000	[1]
Restricted stock units cancelled	25,000	[1],[5]	24,000	[1],[5]	121,000	[1],[5]
Options cancelled	16,000	[1]	83,000	[1]	309,000	[1]
2014 Equity Incentive Plan adjustment	-98,000	[1],[6]
Shares available for grant	4,164,000	[1]	4,085,000	[1]	3,982,000	[1]	4,500,000
[1]	Shares available for grant do not include treasury stock shares that could be granted if we determined to do so.
[2]	The 1998 and 2005 Stock Plans were terminated with respect to the grant of additional shares upon the effective date of the registration statement related to our initial public offering in October 2006, resulting in reductions in the total number of shares authorized for issuance.
[3]	On January 1, 2012, 2013 and 2014, the number of shares authorized for issuance under the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan was automatically increased pursuant to the terms of the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan.
[4]	2012, 2013 and 2014 include grants of restricted stock units with both service and performance-based vesting criteria to our executive officers.
[5]	2012, 2013 and 2014 include cancelled restricted stock units with both service and performance-based vesting criteria
[6]	On June 12, 2014, shares available for grant were adjusted to 4,500,000 pursuant to the terms of the 2014 Plan.

Stockholders_Equity_Schedule_o2

Stockholders' Equity (Schedule of Option Activity Under Stock Plans) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Number of Stock Options
Stock options issued and outstanding	1,979
Granted	52	[1]	227	[1]	846	[1]
Cancelled	-16	[1]	-83	[1]	-309	[1]
Stock options issued and outstanding	1,724		1,979
Common stock options [Member]
Number of Stock Options
Stock options issued and outstanding	1,979		2,956		3,412
Granted	52		227		846
Exercised	-256		-1,121		-993
Cancelled	-51		-83		-309
Stock options issued and outstanding	1,724		1,979		2,956		3,412
Options vested and expected to vest	1,685
Options exercisable	1,266
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Weighted-average exercise price, balance outstanding	$17.91		$13.41		$11.36
Granted	$36.26		$28.82		$17.76
Exercised	$16.04		$8.22		$8.51
Cancelled	$26.38		$18.40		$18.39
Weighted-average exercise price, balance outstanding	$18.50		$17.91		$13.41		$11.36
Weighted-average exercise price, vested and expected to vest	$18.38
Weighted-average exercise price, exercisable	$17.10
Weighted-average remaining contractual life (years), balance outstanding at December 31, 2011	3 years 3 months 21 days		4 years 2 months 12 days		3 years 10 months 27 days		3 years 9 months 18 days
Weighted-average remaining contractual life (years), vested and expected to Vest	3 years 3 months 7 days
Weighted-average remaining contractual life (years), exercisable	2 years 9 months 0 days
Weighted-average remaining contractual life (years), balance outstanding	3 years 3 months 21 days		4 years 2 months 12 days		3 years 10 months 27 days		3 years 9 months 18 days
Aggregate intrinsic value, balance outstanding	$56,569	[2]	$41,462	[2]	$17,078	[2]
Aggregate intrinsic value, exercised	6,472	[2]	22,486	[2]	10,512	[2]
Aggregate intrinsic value, vested and expected to vest	12,690	[2]
Aggregate intrinsic value, exercisable	10,413	[2]
Aggregate intrinsic value, balance outstanding	$12,884	[2]	$56,569	[2]	$41,462	[2]	$17,078	[2]
[1]	Shares available for grant do not include treasury stock shares that could be granted if we determined to do so.
[2]	The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between eHealth’s closing stock price as of December 31 of each year presented and the exercise price of in-the-money options as of those dates.

Stockholders_Equity_Schedule_o3

Stockholders' Equity (Schedule of Restricted Stock Unit Activity Under Stock Plans) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Number of Restricted Stock Units
Restricted Stock Units Issued And Outstanding	779
Granted	563	[1],[2]	595	[1],[2]	265	[1],[2]
Cancelled	-25	[2],[3]	-24	[2],[3]	-121	[2],[3]
Restricted Stock Units Issued And Outstanding	873		779
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Number of Restricted Stock Units
Restricted Stock Units Issued And Outstanding	779	[4]	381	[4]	474	[4]
Granted	563	[4]	595	[4]	265	[4]
Vested	-220	[4]	-173	[4]	-237	[4]
Cancelled	-249	[4]	-24	[4]	-121	[4]
Restricted Stock Units Issued And Outstanding	873	[4]	779	[4]	381	[4]	474	[4]
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Balance	$19.57		$16.21		$14.72
Granted	$37.56		$20.73		$17.61
Vested	$19.59		$15.78		$15.49
Cancelled	$20.62		$17.33		$14.04
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Balance	$30.86		$19.57		$16.21		$14.72
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (years)	2 years 6 months 7 days		2 years 3 months 18 days		2 years 2 months 19 days		1 year 11 months 1 day
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Balance Outstanding	$21,753	[5]	$36,220	[5]	$10,464	[5]			$6,958	[5]
[1]	2012, 2013 and 2014 include grants of restricted stock units with both service and performance-based vesting criteria to our executive officers.
[2]	Shares available for grant do not include treasury stock shares that could be granted if we determined to do so.
[3]	2012, 2013 and 2014 include cancelled restricted stock units with both service and performance-based vesting criteria
[4]	Includes restricted stock units with both service and performance-based vesting criteria granted to our executive officers.
[5]	The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as eHealth’s closing stock price as of December 31 multiplied by the number of restricted stock units outstanding.

Stockholders_Equity_Schedule_o4

Stockholders' Equity (Schedule of Stock Repurchase Activity Under Stock Repurchase Programs) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Feb. 28, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Movement in Treasury Stock, Shares RollForward [Roll Forward]
Total Number Of Shares Purchased, Cumulative Balance				9,309,269		6,397,803		5,797,806
Amount of Repurchase, Cumulative Balance				$149,998		$90,991		$81,557
Total Number of Shares Purchased, Repurchases of common stock				1,354,619		2,911,466		599,997
Amount of Repurchase, Repurchases of Common Stock				50,000		59,007		9,434
Total Number Of Shares Purchased, Cumulative Balance				10,663,888		9,309,269		6,397,803
Amount of Repurchase, Cumulative Balance				$199,998		$149,998		$90,991
Average Price Paid per Treasury Share [Abstract]
Average Price Paid per Share, Cumulative Balance				$16.11	[1]	$14.22	[1]	$14.07	[1]
Average Price Paid per Share, Repurchases of common stock	$36.91	$20.29	$13.78	$36.91	[1]	$20.27	[1]	$15.72	[1]
Average Price Paid per Share, Cumulative Balance				$18.75	[1]	$16.11	[1]	$14.22	[1]
[1]	Average price paid per share includes commissions.

Stockholders_Equity_Schedule_o5

Stockholders' Equity (Schedule of Fair Value of Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Expected term	4 years 2 months 12 days	4 years 3 months 18 days	4 years 7 months 6 days
Expected volatility	47.20%	39.30%	43.90%
Expected dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Risk-free interest rate	1.41%	0.96%	0.85%
Weighted-average grant-date fair value	$14.10	$9.52	$6.65

Stockholders_Equity_Schedule_o6

Stockholders' Equity (Schedule of Stock-Based Compensation Expense) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Common stock options	$2,215	$2,817	$2,787
Restricted stock units	3,662	4,985	2,835
Total stock-based compensation expense	$5,877	$7,802	$5,622

Stockholders_Equity_Schedule_o7

Stockholders' Equity (Schedule of Stock-Based Compensation Expense By Operating Function) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Component Of Stock Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Total Stock-Based Compensation Expense	$5,877	$7,802	$5,622
Marketing And Advertising [Member]
Component Of Stock Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Total Stock-Based Compensation Expense	1,692	2,112	1,215
Customer Care And Enrollment [Member]
Component Of Stock Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Total Stock-Based Compensation Expense	386	342	321
Technology And Content [Member]
Component Of Stock Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Total Stock-Based Compensation Expense	1,611	1,641	1,021
General And Administrative [Member]
Component Of Stock Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Total Stock-Based Compensation Expense	$2,188	$3,707	$3,065

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Increase in net valuation allowance	$11,300,000
Federal net operating loss portion resulting from option exercises	10,300,000
State net operating loss portion resulting from option exercises	61,000,000
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	147,000	3,383,000	4,466,000
Federal and state tax credit carry forwards	1,076,000	599,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	4,300,000	4,600,000
Federal Tax Authority [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Operating loss carry forwards	20,600,000
Annual limitation of operating loss carry forward	2,500,000
Federal and state tax credit carry forwards	4,000,000
State Tax Jurisdiction [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Operating loss carry forwards	77,700,000
Annual limitation of operating loss carry forward	100,000
Operating loss carry forwards subject to an annual limitations	2,500,000
Federal and state tax credit carry forwards	2,100,000
United States [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Increase in net valuation allowance	$11,500,000

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Compo

Income Taxes (Schedule of Components of Pre-Tax Income) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
United States	($7,057)	$3,412	$13,475
Foreign	197	228	-23
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes	($6,860)	$3,640	$13,452

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Curre

Income Taxes (Schedule of Current and Deferred Income Taxes) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current:
Federal	$165	$3,650	$5,009
State	113	269	373
Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit)	14	0	0
Total current	292	3,919	5,382
Deferred:
Federal	7,935	-1,914	819
State	1,292	-88	169
Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	-174	0	0
Total deferred	9,053	-2,002	988
Provision for income taxes	$9,345	$1,917	$6,370

Income_Taxes_Income_Tax_Rate_R

Income Taxes (Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Schedule) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract]
Federal statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes	1.60%	3.90%	3.50%
Non-qualified stock option shortfalls, net	0.00%	0.00%	6.50%
Lobbying	-6.30%	17.40%	4.70%
Change in Valuation Allowance	-164.70%	0.00%	0.00%
Research and development tax credits	3.40%	-8.80%	0.00%
Stock-based compensation	-0.80%	1.20%	0.40%
Section 162(m) limitation	-2.70%	2.30%	0.20%
Other	-1.80%	1.70%	-2.90%
Effective tax rate	-136.30%	52.70%	47.40%

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Defer

Income Taxes (Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets, Net) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets:
Federal, state and foreign net operating loss carry forwards	$3,678	$1,953
Federal and state tax credit carry forwards	1,076	599
Stock-based compensation	4,585	4,584
Accruals and reserves	1,549	2,953
Intangible assets	2,138	1,969
Other	1,080	905
Gross deferred tax assets	14,106	12,963
Valuation allowance	-11,747	-595
Total deferred tax assets	2,359	12,368
Deferred tax liabilities – intangible assets	-2,076	-2,617
Deferred tax liabilities – fixed assets	-307	-723
Total net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	-24	9,028
Net deferred tax assets – current	386	4,459
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities) – non-current	0	4,569
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent	($410)	$0

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_of

Income Taxes (Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Schedule) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning balance	$5,597	$4,550	$4,299
Decreases based on tax positions related to the prior year			-45
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	1,159	890	296
Settlements	0	0	0
Increases based on tax positions related to the prior year		223
Lapse of statute of limitations		-66
Unrecognized tax benefits, ending balance	$6,756	$5,597	$4,550

Net_Income_Loss_Per_Share_Sche

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Schedule of Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income (loss) allocated to common stock	($19,199)	$1,524	$3,023	($1,553)	($1,960)	$174	$1,146	$2,361	($16,205)	$1,723	$7,082
Net weighted average number of common stock shares outstanding									18,367	19,145	19,867
Net income per share-basic (in usd per share)	($1.08)	$0.09	$0.16	($0.08)	($0.11)	$0.01	$0.06	$0.11	($0.88)	$0.09	$0.36
Weighted average number of options									0	548	774
Weighted average number of restricted stock units									0	153	112
Total common stock shares used in per share calculation									18,367	19,846	20,753
Net income per share-diluted (in usd per share)	($1.08)	$0.08	$0.15	($0.08)	($0.11)	$0.01	$0.06	$0.11	($0.88)	$0.09	$0.34

Net_Income_Loss_Per_Share_Sche1

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Schedule of Anti-Dilutive Shares Excluded from Computation Of Net Income Per Share) (Details)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Total	2,543	98	1,280
Common stock options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Total	1,815	92	1,276
Restricted stock units [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Total	728	6	4

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 10, 2015	Jan. 26, 2015
				class_action_lawsuit	class_action_lawsuit
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Future minimum payments related to operating lease	$25,045,000
Standby letter of credit	600,000
Reduction of standby letter of credit financial guarantee amount, percentage	25.00%
Operating leases, rent expense, net	5,300,000	4,800,000	4,300,000
Mountain View, California lease agreement [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Base rent of operating lease	600,000
Operating lease, percentage of annual base rent increase	3.00%
Future minimum payments related to operating lease	7,000,000
Operating lease term	10 years
Westford, Massachusetts Lease Agreement [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Future minimum payments related to operating lease	2,100,000
Operating lease term	5 years 3 months
Office space, square feet	20,000
Gold River, California Lease Agreement [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Future minimum payments related to operating lease	$4,800,000
Office space, square feet	50,000
Subsequent Event [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of class action lawsuits filed against Company				2	2

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies (Schedule of Future Minimum Obligations) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
2015	$7,642
2016	5,088
2017	4,566
2018	3,183
2019	1,045
Thereafter	3,521
Total	25,045
Operating Lease Obligations
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
2015	4,721
2016	4,400
2017	4,350
2018	3,183
2019	1,045
Thereafter	3,521
Total	21,220
Service And Licensing Obligations
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
2015	2,921
2016	688
2017	216
2018	0
2019	0
Thereafter	0
Total	$3,825

Operating_Segments_Geographic_2

Operating Segments, Geographic Information and Significant Customers (Details) (Commission Revenue [Member], Individual and family insurance plans)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Commission Revenue [Member] | Individual and family insurance plans
Commission Revenue Components [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	61.00%	69.00%	75.00%

Operating_Segments_Geographic_3

Operating Segments, Geographic Information and Significant Customers (Schedule Of Long-Lived Assets By Geographical Area) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total	$40,189	$37,393
United States [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total	39,752	37,046
CHINA
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total	$437	$347

Operating_Segments_Geographic_4

Operating Segments, Geographic Information and Significant Customers (Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Humana
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Major customer revenue, percentage	23.00%		21.00%		18.00%
WellPoint
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Major customer revenue, percentage	11.00%	[1]	12.00%	[1]	13.00%	[1]
UnitedHealthcare
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Major customer revenue, percentage	10.00%	[2]	11.00%	[2]	12.00%	[2]
Aetna
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Major customer revenue, percentage	10.00%	[3]	10.00%	[3]	8.00%	[3]
[1]	Wellpoint also includes other carriers owned by Wellpoint.
[2]	UnitedHealthcare also includes other carriers owned by UnitedHealthcare.
[3]	Aetna also includes other carriers owned by Aetna.

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D2

Selected Quarterly Financial Data Unaudited (Schedule of Selected Quarterly Financial Data) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Revenue	$44,975	$41,168	$42,594	$50,940	$54,165	$42,008	$39,800	$43,207	$179,677	$179,180	$155,473
Income (loss) from operations	-13,766	3,766	6,348	-3,110	-2,644	403	2,031	3,941	-6,762	3,732	13,429
Net income	($19,199)	$1,524	$3,023	($1,553)	($1,960)	$174	$1,146	$2,361	($16,205)	$1,723	$7,082
Basic (in usd per share)	($1.08)	$0.09	$0.16	($0.08)	($0.11)	$0.01	$0.06	$0.11	($0.88)	$0.09	$0.36
Diluted (in usd per share)	($1.08)	$0.08	$0.15	($0.08)	($0.11)	$0.01	$0.06	$0.11	($0.88)	$0.09	$0.34

Subsequent_Event_Details

Subsequent Event (Details) (Subsequent Event [Member], USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 11, 2015
	position
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of positions expected to be eliminated	160
Percentage of workforce expected to be eliminated	15.00%
Minimum [Member] | Employee termination benefits [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Expected pre-tax restructuring charges	3.2
Minimum [Member] | Other restructuring charges [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Expected pre-tax restructuring charges	0.5
Maximum [Member] | Employee termination benefits [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Expected pre-tax restructuring charges	3.8
Maximum [Member] | Other restructuring charges [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Expected pre-tax restructuring charges	0.9