Inflation has stretched household budgets near their limit. As a result, most people have reined in discretionary spending, even when it comes to health and wellness.
But just as many Americans want to scale back, U.S. health officials are expecting another pandemic wave this winter and new research underscores the importance of having comprehensive medical benefits.
Although the Biden administration is looking at ending the public health emergency over the next few months, many who get sick but survive Covid suffer from enduring health problems, studies show. And currently, as many as 23 million Americans have what’s considered long Covid, according to recent estimates from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
With open enrollment season in full swing, this is an opportunity to reevaluate your coverage, said Gary Claxton, senior vice president at the Kaiser Family Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on national health issues.