Why it’s time to encourage Americans to put their health first

Over the past several months, many Americans have put their own health care needs on hold as they care for others, or have delayed care due to fear of contracting COVID-19.

In fact, according to a recent survey we conducted among 4,400 Americans in partnership with Morning Consult to identify barriers to accessing care amid COVID-19, nearly 60 percent of Americans have delayed or canceled a health care appointment due to concerns about exposure to COVID-19 since the pandemic began. Even with the pandemic looming large in our minds, we need to remind people of how critical it is for them to get the care they need.

That’s what our new Time for Care campaign is all about. It’s a call to action that encourages individuals to prioritize in-person, primary care needs as they continue on their path to better health.  

Time for Care’s national television ad truly brings to life why it’s so important for people to put the focus back on their own health care needs. Time for Care’s multimedia campaign features a microsite as well as social media, digital, and Aetna member program components that address concerns for people with chronic health conditions and specific health issues, such as high-risk pregnancies.

Our survey also revealed that half of all Americans, and nearly 60 percent of people with chronic conditions, have concerns the pandemic has negatively affected their own health or the health of someone in their household. Fifty percent of pregnant mothers, according to the survey results, are not confident their primary care physicians have put the necessary measures in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

We’ll continue to be by our members’ and customers’ side, helping them navigate through the pandemic – but now more than ever, it’s important that we encourage all Americans to prioritize their health care needs. Because it’s always time for care.