Healthcare Hardship before and during COVID-19: Financial Protective Factors

Authors

  • Sally A. Hageman Idaho State University
  • Mathieu Despard Washington University
  • Maudia Ahmad North Carolina State Agriculture & Technology University

Keywords:

Medical/health care social work, financial hardship, financial protective factors, National Financial Capability Study

Abstract

Households face significant financial hardship due to medical expenses. Using data from the 2018 and 2021 National Financial Capability Study, this research examines three healthcare hardship indicators: emergency savings, health insurance, and income. Results indicate respondents experienced an average of 0.56 (SD = 0.98) and 0.51 (SD = 0.94) hardships in 2018 and 2021, respectively. Medical debt was the strongest predictor, while emergency savings and health insurance were linked to fewer hardships. Statistically significant interactions between medical debt and these factors were observed. We discuss implications for social work in healthcare settings, particularly regarding financial support and policy.

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Published

2025-12-30

Issue

Vol. 23 No. 1 (2025): The Social Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic. Implications for Social Policy & Social Work

Section

Special Issue: "The Social Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic. Implications for Social Policy & Social Work"