Rosalind Evans
The repercussions of Covid-19 have been extended for many Americans, transforming from an immediate infection to a prolonged health issue with no definite end.
This extended health battle is often accompanied by financial instability, as recent studies by the Urban Institute highlight.
The nonprofit research entity states that around 20% of adults experiencing prolonged Covid symptoms have struggled with rent or mortgage payments. Additionally, 25% had difficulty paying for utilities, with close to 10% experiencing utility disconnections.
Over 40% of adults with extended Covid symptoms reported insufficient access to food, with one-fourth indicating deficient food security, as per the Urban Institute.
These fresh insights complement previous research indicating income and job disruptions among long-term Covid patients.
The labour force shrunk by 500,000 due to Covid, as per a 2022 study by economists Gopi Shah Goda and Evan J. Soltas, featured in the National Bureau of Economic Research, leading to an average income loss of $9,000.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, an estimated 7.7 million to 23 million people in the country may be affected by long-term Covid symptoms. This is based on the assumption that 30% of those infected with Covid-19 may experience prolonged symptoms.
Long-term Covid symptoms include chest pain, cough, cognitive impairment, memory loss, fatigue, shortness of breath, and muscle and joint pain.
Medical professionals often express skepticism about this ambiguous symptom cluster, says Meghan O’Rourke, author of “The Invisible Kingdom: Reimaging Chronic Illness,” during a panel discussion hosted by the Urban Institute. O’Rourke is also a long-term Covid sufferer.
“When tests don’t yield definitive results, we’re instantly regarded as unreliable storytellers,” O’Rourke commented.
She added that the lack of adequate medical care is exacerbated by insufficient support for patients to maintain their livelihoods, secure food, and attempt to work.
“We must commit to social support, disability aid, for people living with long-term Covid and other chronic diseases,” O’Rourke emphasized.
Research from the Urban Institute and expert suggestions point to three modifications to enhance social support for long-term Covid patients.
1. Widen the social safety net and enhance benefits
Long-term Covid patients seeking aid may rely on a range of programs: Social Security disability insurance (SSDI); Supplemental Security Income (SSI); Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF); Medicaid; and Rental and utility assistance schemes.
Accessing these benefits, however, is often challenging. Social Security, disability benefits applicants, face lengthy waiting periods, and the same applies to housing aid applicants.
“When individuals can’t afford their basic needs, their recovery from illness becomes much harder, and their risk of poor health escalates,” noted Michael Karpman, a principal research associate at the Urban Institute.
The Urban Institute’s research suggests that eligibility for these programs can be expanded — by simplifying application procedures, extending eligibility to non-citizens, reducing policies like asset limits and work prerequisites, and broadening the number of professionals who can provide medical documentation.
In addition, the awareness of these benefits can be increased by providing more funding for community-based organizations to assist with additional outreach and enrollment.
Also, benefits like Supplemental Security Income may be increased to improve the life quality of beneficiaries.
“Even if you qualify for these benefits, it’s extremely challenging to meet your basic needs with that income level,” said Lisa McCorkell, co-founder of Patient Led Research Collaborative. “The provided amount is simply insufficient for survival.”
2. Ensure accessible paid leave
The U.S. is one of the few developed nations without paid sick or family and medical leave policies.
Attempts to establish a federal scheme have been unsuccessful so far.
Universal paid leave would ensure Covid-19 infected individuals do not spread the virus and can rest while recovering, according to the Urban Institute. Furthermore, those who develop extended Covid could have a longer respite before they have to resume work.
The research suggests that this policy may be most beneficial to those with lower incomes who typically lack access to paid sick days.
3. Promote workplace flexibility
Employers that provide reasonable accommodations like flexible schedules, regular breaks, or remote working opportunities may help long-term Covid patients maintain their employment, suggests the Urban Institute.
One year after contracting Covid, approximately 18% of those with long-term Covid had not resumed work, according to a recent study by the New York State Insurance Fund.
In contrast, the study found that 40% returned to work within 60 days. However, they still needed medical care, highlighting the need for accommodations like reduced work hours.
In conclusion, these modifications may benefit patients suffering from other conditions besides long-term Covid, experts noted during Tuesday’s panel.
O’Rourke suggested that we should have more medical centers focusing on autoimmune diseases and chronic illnesses related to infections, similar to cancer centers.
“Many of the policy changes we need are not unique to long-term Covid,” McCorkell said. “We need a more robust social safety net for all disabled people.”
The economic and social hardships of those suffering from long Covid underline the need for substantial changes. These include the expansion of social safety nets, ensuring accessible paid leave, and promoting flexibility in workplaces. By implementing these measures, society can support these patients, helping them navigate this prolonged health crisis and maintain a decent quality of life. Furthermore, these changes could serve as an essential blueprint for supporting all those grappling with chronic illnesses, emphasizing the need for a robust social safety net for everyone.
