Worried About COVID-19, 6 in 10 Americans Did Not Visit Their Doctor

Rhea-AI Summary

According to a recent ValuePenguin survey, 60% of Americans postponed medical appointments during the COVID-19 pandemic, primarily to avoid virus exposure. Additionally, 50% reported going a day or more without necessary medications, with 30.1% citing stock shortages and 21% due to mail delays. Concerns over healthcare access surged, with 31% worried about long wait times. The survey, conducted from Sept. 11-14, 2020, included 1,028 respondents, revealing significant impacts of the pandemic on health behaviors.

Positive

• In-depth survey data from 1,028 respondents provides valuable insights into healthcare access during the pandemic.
• Highlights the need for affordable health insurance options, potentially increasing demand for related services.
• Reinforces ValuePenguin's position as a relevant resource in personal finance and health insurance sectors.

Negative

• 60% of Americans skipped medical appointments, which could lead to worsening health issues.
• 50% went a day or longer without needed medication, indicating serious healthcare access problems.
• Concerns over the economic impact of the pandemic on health behaviors may decrease consumer spending.

NEW YORK, Sept. 22, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- As the COVID-19 pandemic upends the American health care system, 60% of Americans reported that they put off doctors' appointments due to fears of contracting the virus, and 50% of Americans said they've experienced delays in obtaining necessary medication according to a new ValuePenguin.com by LendingTree survey. The survey explores what medical hardships looked like in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how Americans have coped over the past six months. Here are the key findings:

• 50% of Americans have been forced to go a day or longer without needed medication amid the pandemic. 30.1% of said this was due to their medications being out of stock, 21% said this was due to mail delays, while 9% said they couldn't afford to pay for their medications.
• 60% of Americans skipped or put off a medical appointment during the coronavirus pandemic, and most did so to reduce their risk of contracting the virus. 26% skipped their annual wellness visit with a physician, while 24% bypassed a dental cleaning. More concerningly, 9% of Americans skipped a major medical procedure, and 6% said that they skipped a mental health appointment.
• Men were more likely to skip a preventive health visit than women, as well as experience a delay in obtaining medication. A full third of men put off their annual wellness visit due to the pandemic, compared to a fifth of women.
• Nearly one in 10 Americans worried about their ability to access health care. 31% of Americans cited long wait times due to the coronavirus pandemic as their main concern. Americans were also worried about costs of health care and health insurance, with 29% saying they could not afford it.

According to Sterling Price, a research analyst at ValuePenguin.com, "A common thread throughout this survey was that Americans are feeling the economic strain of the coronavirus pandemic, and this is making them put off getting the critical medical care that they need. While doing this once or twice may not be harmful, breaking habits and not focusing on your health can lead to more serious health complications." He adds, "Completely going without health insurance puts Americans at tremendous risk. For those who qualify, the cheapest health insurance option would be to enroll in the federal Medicaid program. For Americans who can't qualify for Medicaid, comparing the multiple health insurance plans available via state health insurance marketplaces is the best way to find a plan that fits your budget."

ValuePenguin commissioned Qualtrics to conduct an online survey of 1,028 Americans, with the sample base proportioned to represent the overall population. The survey was fielded Sept. 11-14, 2020. To view the full report, visit: https://www.valuepenguin.com/health-insurance-covid-medication-delays

About ValuePenguin.com: ValuePenguin.com, part of LendingTree (NASDAQ: TREE), is a personal finance website that conducts in-depth research and provides objective analysis to help guide consumers to the best financial decisions. ValuePenguin focuses on value, assessing whether the return of a particular decision is worth the cost or risk of that option, and how this stacks up with the other possible choices they may have. For more information, please visit www.valuepenguin.com, like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter @ValuePenguin.

Media Contact:
Divya Sangam (Ms.)
646 693 8445 
divya@valuepenguin.com

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SOURCE ValuePenguin.com

FAQ

What were the key findings of the recent ValuePenguin survey related to COVID-19 and healthcare access?

The survey found that 60% of Americans postponed medical appointments and 50% faced delays in obtaining medications due to the pandemic.

How many Americans went without necessary medication according to the ValuePenguin survey?

The survey revealed that 50% of Americans experienced a day or longer without necessary medication during the pandemic.

What percentage of Americans are worried about accessing healthcare amid the pandemic?

Nearly 10% of Americans expressed concerns about their ability to access healthcare, particularly regarding long wait times.

What recommendations did the ValuePenguin survey provide for those struggling with healthcare access?

The survey suggested that enrolling in Medicaid or comparing health insurance plans through state marketplaces may help those in need.

When was the ValuePenguin survey conducted?

The survey was conducted from September 11 to September 14, 2020.