If you thought employees were done delaying medical care now that the pandemic is waning, that assumption would be incorrect.
It’s at its highest point yet – 38%.
Gallup has been tracking Americans’ self-reports of delaying medical care in the past 12 months due to costs since 2001. And this year Gallup’s annual Health and Healthcare poll, which was conducted between Nov. 9 and Dec. 2, found that the number of people who delayed care rose 12 points.
It was understandable why people put their health care off during the beginning and at the height of the pandemic – people didn’t want to go to doctor’s offices or hospitals for fear of catching COVID-19. But things have improved – despite new strands popping up every few months – and you would think people are more comfortable seeking medical care now.
Most people are more comfortable seeking medical care. So, what’s stopping them now?
Inflation
Americans are experiencing the highest inflation rate in the U.S. in more than 40 years, making 2022 a challenging year financially. Many of the poll participants said that inflation has created at least “a moderate hardship” for them and that they view the U.S. economy negatively.
This comes after two years (2020 and 2021) which both clocked in at 26%.
The scary part is these medical care delays weren’t for minor things. In fact, 27% reported the delayed treatment was for a “very” or “somewhat” serious condition or illness. Only 11% reported the condition or illness was “not very” or “not at all” serious.
This should concern HR because “very” and “somewhat” serious conditions or illnesses rarely get better when left untreated. The truth is, they get worse and that almost always means higher medical bills and higher premiums for employers.
4 tactics to avoid delaying medical care
Here are four tactics HR can use to make sure their employees aren’t putting off medical care and are taking proactive measures to stay healthy:
- Provide affordable health care. We know, it’s easier said than done. But providing good, affordable health care for your employees is vital. Research which options are best for your size business, and explain coverage in plain English, not healthcare benefits lingo. Plus, make sure there’s preventive medicine coverage and mental healthcare coverage. Companies that place a strong emphasis on preventive care and offer stress management options will reap the rewards in the end with healthier employees.
- Implement a health and wellness program. Providing a health and wellness program shows employees their employer cares about them. In addition to improving employees’ health, these programs can reduce sick days taken, increase retention, boost morale, increase productivity and more. But you must promote all aspects of the program or employees won’t use it. The best way to increase its use is to make sure executives, supervisors and managers are participating so employees know it’s OK to use the benefits.
- Promote flexibility. Let employees know it’s OK to go to medical appointments during the day. Promoting flexibility with when employees work and where they work can take a load of stress off someone who may be going to physical therapy a few times a week or seeing specialists. Nowadays, it’s not easy to get an appointment after regular work hours.
- Listen and communicate often. Keep an open door and let employees know you are there to listen to them. People who feel listened to and cared about are happier, healthier and more productive employees.