Health experts have been bracing for the vast consequences of Americans neglecting healthcare during the pandemic. Now that we’re beginning to see the numbers, it’s clear there’s a problem. Tempus recently surveyed 1,078 Americans to understand how many people have neglected healthcare, what the status of their health has been, and what motivated their choices. They found that 79% of those who neglected healthcare during the pandemic have COVID-19 comorbidities. 61% who were undergoing treatment for an existing illness suspended it at some point during the pandemic. 48% of Americans have not pursued some type of healthcare because of loss of income/insurance.
On top of that, the cost of care has impacted many American’s abilities to get needed treatment during the pandemic. We’ve long known that the cost of healthcare is a pain point and deterrent for millions of Americans. Unfortunately, with the weakening of so many sectors in the economy this past year, the situation is not getting any better. Of those who had adverse health symptoms but did not seek treatment during the pandemic, 51% said cost was a motivator. 1 in 3 people we surveyed stopped taking a prescription during the pandemic, because of loss of income/insurance. 66% postponed or canceled routine health checks, including cancer screenings before of the cost associated with doing so.
