The worst economic recession in decades continues to take its toll on Americans. Most of the focus has been on the loss of jobs and homes, however, several reports indicate that the recession is also putting the health of workers and their families in jeopardy.

Since December 2007, over 4.4 million jobs have been lost and the unemployment rate has risen from 4.9 percent to 8.1 percent, states Diane Rowland in the March issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. When jobs disappear, so do health insurance plans, leaving many families unable to cover the costs of both routine and emergency medical care. The situation is even worse for single people, who often do not qualify for Medicaid unless they have a severe disability.

This crisis is driving many workers to change their behavior to improve their health and well-being and rein in health care costs, according to a survey commissioned and released by the National Business Group on Health (NBGH). The group commissioned the survey to determine how the recession is affecting American workers and to identify opportunities and areas where businesses should work more closely with their employees to support them during the tough recession environment.

Fifteen hundred workers employed at large employers (2,000 or more employees) between ages 22 and 69 were surveyed. They had benefits provided through an employer-sponsored or union-sponsored health plan. Among the key findings:

  • Twenty-seven percent reported that they didn't have health care treatment to save money on co-payments or co-insurance costs.
  • One in five respondents didn't take their prescription drug dosage as prescribed by their doctors. Many workers, particularly older workers (44 percent of those between ages 45 and 64), reported that their mental health has been negatively affected by the economy.
  • Nearly all workers report reviewing their health plan options during their last annual enrollment period and about one in four changed health plans as a result.
  • Health improvement is more of a priority than it was a year ago. Fifty-two percent of respondents reported that living a healthy lifestyle is more of a priority than it was a year ago - about one in three reported exercising more and 46 percent said they were eating healthier, which included cutting back on fast food.

"These data confirm that the widespread economic anxiety is cascading onto individual workers' health and well-being," said NBGH president Helen Darling. "At the same time, the data also show that workers are more aligned with businesses about cost concerns and that individuals are taking demonstrable steps to improve their own personal health."

Being more proactive about your heath is a step in the right direction. As Rowland explains, when you postpone or forgo needed medical treatment it often leads to more serious illness and more costly care. Here are some other ways to stay healthy for less during the recession:

• Lose weight. If you're overweight try to shed at least 10 to 20 pounds, which can reduce your risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

• Practice prevention. Exercising and eating healthier are good starts. You should also try to get more sleep, drink less alcohol, reduce stress, take a multivitamin, and treat injuries or symptoms sooner rather than later.

• Cut the frills. When buying medication find out if a generic version is available. Also, many health supplies are available in a wide range; some have extras you may not need. For instance, skip expensive frames and tints on glasses, or use store-bought insoles instead of custom-made orthotics, which have fallen out of favor recently with the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons. It's always better to find a cheaper option than to skip a necessary health supply.

• Choose a cheaper pharmacy. The price of medications and other health supplies can vary significantly. Call different pharmacies to compare prices.

• Negotiate costs. In these tough times your health provider may be more willing to bargain with you for the price of services. Explain your financial situation and try to make a deal.

• Check out the COBRA rules. If you lose your job you can still take advantage of health insurance provided by your employer for up to 18 months, thanks to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). While you'll pay for the coverage without subsidy from your employer, it may be cheaper than buying a similar policy on your own.

Study References:
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine, Vol. 360 (13):1273-1276
Study Date: March 26, 2009
Study Name: Health Care and Medicaid - Weathering the Recession
Website: http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/360/13/1273
Author: Diane Rowland, Sc.D.