Economy is Changing the Way Americans Take Care of Health

By Richard Shank

CIGNA recently commissioned a survey on health and the economy which found that nearly all Americans were worried about its current state. It further showed that the economy was changing the way many people took care of themselves, illustrating the link between health and economic well-being.

Nearly one-third of respondents said the economy was forcing them to change their health behaviors. The majority of these people responded that they were actually taking better care of their health through diet and exercise than before. Despite this, nearly 41% of respondents reported less concerted efforts: 35% said they are not going to the doctor regularly or at all, 17% are cutting back on medication usage, and 10% report that they cannot afford to eat properly or are eating less healthy foods.

Most people surveyed agreed that eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise are crucial to safeguarding your health. Seventy-five percent reported that they are now more Healthy Meals likely to eat at home than eat out, and 67% said they are more likely to take better care of their health over the next 12 months.

However, there are troubling gaps between use of available health services and the types of services most believe their health care plans make available to them. It is clear that this gap is decreasing the likelihood of utilizing the health resources that are available, even under covered health plans (eg. failing to utilize plan-covered preventative care).

CIGNA recommends that people recognize the value of what their health plans can offer as the economy places more pressure on family budgets.

Source: CIGNA Press Release (October 2008).

Like the new format? Tell us what you think: askaia@matherlifeways.com