Americans’ Deepening Financial Stress Will Make the Coronavirus a Lot Harder to Contain
By David Salkever, professor, Public Policy, UMBC
Preventing deaths from COVID-19 depends on people who get it seeking treatment – which also allows authorities to track down whom they came in contact with to reduce spread.
But, as the economic pain and joblessness caused by the statewide lockdowns continue to grow, more Americans are experiencing severe strains on their personal finances. This threatens our ability to contain the pandemic because those feeling the most financial stress are much less likely to seek medical care if they experience coronavirus symptoms, according to my analysis of a recent Federal Reserve survey.
As an economist who studies how individuals make health care choices, I worry that in the coming months even more people will consider forgoing vital treatment to pay rent or some other bill – especially as the extended unemployment benefits, rent moratoriums and other relief are set to expire soon.
‘Just getting by’
The Fed conducts a survey of the economic health of U.S. households every quarter, most recently near the end of 2019. In April, it conducted a supplementary but similar survey to quickly gauge how people were handling the coronavirus crisis. Results of both surveys were released on May 14.
The Fed tries to measure financial stress in three key ways. Its surveys ask respondents if they are unable to pay all their monthly bills, couldn’t cover a US$400 emergency expense, or are “just getting by” or worse.
Even before the pandemic hit, the picture wasn’t pretty. In October, when the fourth-quarter survey was conducted, 42% of employed respondents reported fitting at least one of these descriptions, while over 8% said they fit all three. Those figures jumped to 72% and 20% for low-income workers.
But by April, tens of millions of people who had jobs in October lost them as most nonessential businesses across the U.S. either closed or reduced their services. The unemployment rate shot up to 14.7% that month – the highest since the Great Depression – and is expected to climb further when the May data are released on June 5.
The Fed’s April survey, however, paints an even broader picture of the economic impact of the pandemic. In that survey, about 28% of the previously employed respondents said they either lost their job, were being furloughed, had their hours cut or were taking unpaid leave. This has been financially devastating to many, with 68% of this group reporting one of the stresses listed above and 28% saying they were experiencing all three, regardless of income level.
Forgoing medical care
Separate questions in the surveys demonstrate just how strong the link is between financial and physical health.
The October survey also asks those respondents if they had skipped a doctor’s visit during the previous 12 months because of the cost. More than 20% of those who reported one of these financial stresses said they had, while almost 46% of those with all three said so.
In April, the Fed asked a more timely question: “If you got sick with symptoms of the coronavirus, would you try to contact a doctor?”
A third of those respondents who also said they’re experiencing all three financial stresses said “no.” This is especially significant because, unlike the October question, it describes a current, known threat, rather than referring to a previous medical issue of unknown severity. And the widely reported urgency and seriousness of the coronavirus suggests someone wouldn’t treat the decision to seek a doctor’s care or advice lightly.
Relieving the stress
That was back in April, less than a month into the coronavirus lockdowns. If the same questions were asked today, I believe the numbers would look a lot worse.
In the middle of a serious pandemic, we don’t want sick people avoiding treatment because they’re worried they won’t be able to put food on the table. This would likely worsen the spread of the coronavirus and make it a whole lot harder to contain.
As Congress debates additional measures to mitigate the economic and financial effects of the pandemic, it would be wise to keep in mind the connection between financial stress and individual decisions to seek medical care.
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David Salkever, Professor Emeritus of Public Policy, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Header image: AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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By David Salkever, professor, Public Policy, UMBC Preventing deaths from COVID-19 depends on people who get it seeking treatment – which also allows authorities to track down whom they came...
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A Letter to Our Students
Dear Students,
We applaud the determination you brought to your studies this spring and understand that even though the summer is just beginning, you are eager to know how UMBC will support your continued progress in the fall semester. While much is still uncertain, we want to share our
Retrievers Return Roadmap outlining the principles, assumptions, and strategies underlying our plans for supporting students this fall.
We are planning for UMBC to transition to a gradual return to campus for the fall semester. Most courses will continue to be delivered virtually, with fewer undergraduate and graduate courses offered either fully or partially in-person. The courses offered in-person will meet two specific criteria: (1) courses required for majors and graduate programs that need special spaces, facilities, and equipment; and (2) courses designed to help build a connection between new students and the campus. For public health reasons, there will be reduced numbers of students residing on campus. More information about the factors that will be considered for on-campus housing will be available soon. In addition, research labs, as well as studios and performance spaces for creative work, will be gradually reopened beginning this summer using a phased approach. Additional updates for UMBC Shady Grove students will also be available soon.
The health and safety of students, faculty, staff, and the surrounding community will remain at the forefront of all of our planning considerations. UMBC’s plan to reopen our campus will be grounded in the best available scientific and public health information and adhere to guidance and constraints provided by federal (including CDC and OSHA), state, and local government officials, as well as the University System of Maryland. Our Roadmap is based on current knowledge and assumptions about what is possible, and we recognize that it will likely evolve as the environment changes.
Students will continue to have a distinctive experience centered on their success and well-being. Hallmarks of the UMBC student experience—including innovative teaching and learning, mentoring, career-building experiences, and student organizations and social life—will continue to be available to our students. Given that the majority of fall classes will be fully or partially online, we are taking steps to provide additional resources for students and training for faculty to support the success of our students as they learn in a variety of settings. The Academic Success Center will continue to support students and their progress by providing access to academic advisors and student advocates.
Our preparations for the fall semester will give special attention to the diverse needs of students. We understand that students have varying needs for access and support, and our planning will take this into consideration.
We understand that many of you may be feeling unsettled about your college experience in this unusual time. At the same time, your perspective and talents are needed now more than ever, and your progress toward your degree will lead to a brighter future when this pandemic is behind us. Know that the UMBC administration, faculty, and staff are here for you to answer questions and work with you on individual concerns. You may contact us at
covid19@umbc.edu. Additional information is available at
covid19.umbc.edu.
We are proud of all you have achieved, excited about all you will accomplish, and look forward to welcoming you back to campus as soon as possible. Stay safe.
President Freeman Hrabowski and Provost Philip Rous
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Dear Students, We applaud the determination you brought to your studies this spring and understand that even though the summer is just beginning, you are eager to know how UMBC will support...
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