Blue Cross Blue Shield Coronavirus Tracking Poll
Blue Cross Blue Shield / MassINC Survey Finds Spike in Telemedicine Use Among Massachusetts Residents
Reports of seeing a physician via phone or video up sharply since onset of coronavirus crisis
Massachusetts residents are radically changing the way they access medical care, according to the latest wave of a Massachusetts tracking poll which found a more than 200% rise in the use of telemedicine.
The share of residents who say they have used telemedicine since the onset of the crisis has increased steadily over the four waves of the tracking poll, from 8% in the initial survey three weeks ago up to 21% in the most recent data.
This aligns with an April 7th report in The Boston Globe noting providers like Massachusetts General and Brigham and Women's Hospitals are conducting between 70-76% of their outpatient visits via telemedicine or by phone, a dramatic increase from the 1-3% typically conducted virtually.
The increase comes as health plans across the Commonwealth have acted quickly to make telehealth services more accessible so patients can receive care from home and limit the risk of contagion. For example, during the state of emergency, Blue Cross is waiving member cost share (co-pays, co-insurance and deductibles) for all medically necessary medical and behavioral health covered services with in-network providers and reimbursing at the same rate as face-to-face care for participating providers for both medical and behavioral health care that meet clinical standards, in accordance with state guidelines.
Expanded access to behavioral health services via telehealth could prove to be crucial as the latest wave of the survey notes 33% of respondents report feeling sad or depressed more frequently since the crisis began.
"We cannot ignore the impact this crisis is having on our mental health. Improving access to care by waiving copays for virtual behavioral health appointments is critically important," said Ken Duckworth, MD, associate medical director for behavioral health at Blue Cross. "All of us can benefit from coping strategies like being mindful of our news consumption, finding ways to help others and practicing self-care. But having access to mental health services can be even more important in moments like these."
The survey also finds that maintaining a healthy routine during quarantine has been a challenge for many residents:
More residents have cut down on exercise (36%) and spending time outside (46%) compared to those who have increased those activities.
Conversely, large increases were reported in time spent reading or watching the news (64%), watching TV (54%) and using social media (43%).
For parents, schoolwork is an added layer of responsibility:
90% of parents of school-aged kids report their children's schools are sending assignments for kids to complete at home.
75% of parents report at least one adult in the household is devoting time to help children continue their schoolwork.
Weeks into the crisis, public concern about the danger of coronavirus continues to tick up. Nearly three-quarters of residents see coronavirus as a "very serious" threat to people across the state.
Residents continue to see major economic challenges ahead.
20% of residents now say they have lost a job since the crisis began, up from 16% in the second week of the survey. Job and wage losses are most severe among younger workers, those without a college degree and those in lower-income households.
The Massachusetts restaurant industry, which was ordered to close for sit-down business on March 15, has been hit especially hard. While some establishments are offering takeout or delivery services, 53% of respondents say they are ordering less takeout now, compared to just 15% who are ordering more.
"Economic, health, educational, and everyday challenges are hitting residents all hitting at once," said Steve Koczela, President of The MassINC Polling Group, who oversaw the poll. "People are getting through this any way they can."
Despite the challenges, the vast majority of the public supports restrictions on public gatherings and business, with only 6% saying the reaction has gone too far. Most say the reaction has been about right (64%) or could go further still (28%).
The findings are part of the fourth and final wave of data from a statewide tracking poll (conducted March 30 - April 5) on the coronavirus sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and conducted by The MassINC Polling Group. The survey monitors key elements of public opinion and reaction and was commissioned as part of Blue Cross' broader efforts to support the community's response to COVID-19.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Blue Cross has expanded coverage and access to care for its members, and launched a regularly updated resource center that includes information about how to stay safe, a downloadable tip sheet for employers, a video featuring a Blue Cross physicians, and answers to frequently asked questions. In addition, Blue Cross' health news site, Coverage, produces timely, original news articles reporting what health consumers need to know about COVID-19 and profiling the health care providers on the front line.
Full survey results can be found here and here.
Methodology These results are based on a statewide survey of 1054 residents of Massachusetts. Live telephone interviews were conducted March 30 - April 4, 2020 via both landline and cell phone as part of a tracking survey. The final data was weighted to known and estimated parameters on gender, age, race, county, and education. The margin of sampling error is 3.0 percentage points with a 95 percent level of confidence.
About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (www.bluecrossma.com) is a community-focused, tax-paying, not-for-profit health plan headquartered in Boston. We are committed to the relentless pursuit of quality, affordable health care with an unparalleled consumer experience. Consistent with our promise to always put our members first, we are rated among the nation's best health plans for member satisfaction and quality. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
About the MassINC Polling Group The MassINC Polling Group is a nonpartisan public opinion research firm serving public, private, and social-sector clients. MPG elevates the public's voice with cutting edge methods and rigorous analysis. Based in Boston, MPG serves a nationwide client base.
Blue Cross Blue Shield/MassINC Survey Finds Public Health Campaign Leading to Near Universal Awareness and Action on Coronavirus
Download Wave 3 Crosstabs (PDF)
An unprecedented public health campaign aimed at slowing the spread of coronavirus is having a near-universal effect on public behavior, the third week of a Massachusetts tracking poll finds. New key findings include:
Nearly all (97%) of Massachusetts residents say they understand what actions they should take to prevent further spread of coronavirus.
96% of Massachusetts residents say they are seeing either nobody or only a few people. 85% are canceling social plans, and 86% report not shopping at all or only going if it's essential.
91% have increased handwashing and 92% now avoid physical greetings.
95% say they are following news about the outbreak somewhat or very closely.
Weeks into the crisis, public concern about the danger of coronavirus continues to tick up.
Fully 95% of residents think the virus poses a very (68%) or somewhat (27%) serious threat to people in Massachusetts, and 72% think the threat is still getting more serious.
The share who think the virus is a serious threat to them personally has risen from 68% during the first wave of the survey to 79% now.
Residents see major economic issues ahead.
One in four residents (25%) say they will face serious financial hardship within a month, and another 15% anticipate issues the month after that.
Since the crisis began, 16% report losing a job. Among those still employed, a new high of 32% say they have lost part of their paycheck.
These difficulties are strongly concentrated among lower-income households and part-time and hourly workers. Among those with household incomes under $50,000, 41% anticipate hardship in the month ahead, 21% report job losses, and about half (48%) of those still employed say they have lost a portion of their paycheck.
Despite these challenges, residents are standing strong in the battle against the spread of coronavirus. Just 9% think the reaction has gone too far, while the vast majority say it has been about right (60%) or could go further still (28%). This includes over 80% of those who have lost a job or pay since the crisis started, meaning those taking the brunt of the economic hit still support the strong response.
"I've never seen anything like the level of awareness and action described in these Massachusetts numbers. And the responses that are not already universal are still growing each week," said Steve Koczela, president of The MassINC Polling Group. "Even in the face of great personal difficulty, residents are doing their part to help."
"Simple, consistent communications across the board from public officials, providers, health plans, and community groups have resulted in this extraordinarily successful public health messaging at a time we need it most," said Katherine Dallow, MD, MPH, vice president of clinical programs and strategy at Blue Cross. "Stay home whenever possible, wash your hands regularly, and contact your provider if you begin to feel ill."
The findings are part of the third wave of data from a statewide tracking poll (conducted March 24-29) on the coronavirus sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and conducted by The MassINC Polling Group. The survey monitors key elements of public opinion and reaction and was commissioned as part of Blue Cross' broader efforts to support the community's response to COVID-19.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Blue Cross has expanded coverage and access to care for its members, and launched a regularly updated resource center that includes information about how to stay safe, a downloadable tip sheet for employers, a video featuring a Blue Cross physicians, and answers to frequently asked questions. In addition, Blue Cross' health news site, Coverage, produces timely, original news articles reporting what health consumers need to know about COVID-19.
Full survey results can be found here and here.
Methodology These results are based on a statewide survey of 900 residents of Massachusetts. Live telephone interviews were conducted March 24-29, 2020 via both landline and cell phone as part of a tracking survey. The final data was weighted to known and estimated parameters on gender, age, race, county, and education. The margin of sampling error is 3.0 percentage points with a 95 percent level of confidence.
About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (www.bluecrossma.com) is a community-focused, tax-paying, not-for-profit health plan headquartered in Boston. We are committed to the relentless pursuit of quality, affordable health care with an unparalleled consumer experience. Consistent with our promise to always put our members first, we are rated among the nation's best health plans for member satisfaction and quality. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
About the MassINC Polling Group The MassINC Polling Group is a nonpartisan public opinion research firm serving public, private, and social-sector clients. MPG elevates the public's voice with cutting edge methods and rigorous analysis. Based in Boston, MPG serves a nationwide client base.
New MassINC/Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Poll Finds Swift Changes in Public Life During Coronavirus Crisis
Download Wave 2 Crosstabs (PDF)
Key findings
Residents are increasingly taking social distancing actions to help slow the spread of the virus. 60% say they are not seeing or visiting anyone, up from 46% a few days ago. Similarly, 82% report cancelling social plans, up from 72%. When it comes to shopping, 74% say they are only going to stores if it is essential, and another 11% are not going at all.
The survey finds 16% of residents report losing a job since the crisis began earlier this month. These job losses are concentrated among lower-income households -- 23% of those making $50,000 or less say they have lost a job. (The Massachusetts unemployment rate was 2.8% in January, before the outbreak began.) Among those who report being currently employed, 28% say they have lost at least a portion of their paycheck, including 54% of part-time workers and 39% of hourly workers. A majority of employed respondents said they are working remotely (55%, up from 48%).
About a quarter of residents believe the state has not gone far enough in responding to the outbreak (27%), an increase of 4 points since the prior poll. 59% say the response has been about right, and only 9% think it has gone too far. Looking forward, residents remain braced for the long haul: 44% expect disruptions to last two months or more; another 28% see 1 to 2 months of disruption ahead.
Now, 65% of residents say the threat posed by the coronavirus is “very serious,” compared to 58% last week. 25% say it is “somewhat serious.”
Residents are closely following the news about coronavirus, with 71% saying they are following it “very closely”. Residents are also aware of specific problems with the response: 70% know there is a lack of coronavirus tests, and 75% know of the challenge hospitals are experiencing getting enough personal protective equipment for doctors and nurses.
The findings are part of the second wave of data from a statewide tracking poll (conducted March 20-23) on the coronavirus sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and conducted by The MassINC Polling Group. The second wave wrapped up just before Gov. Charlie Baker’s order closing non-essential businesses went into effect on March 24. The first wave, published March 21, covered March 16-19. The survey monitors key elements of public opinion and reaction and was commissioned as part of Blue Cross’ broader efforts to support the community’s response to COVID-19.
“It’s vital that the public recognize the serious threat posed by coronavirus and how important it is to slow the spread,” said Katherine Dallow, MD, MPH, vice president of clinical programs and strategy at Blue Cross. “Slowing the spread of a virulent virus, weeks after its emergence in the U.S., is not easy. In fact, as a society, it’s a painful process. But it is literally a matter of life and death.”
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Blue Cross has expanded coverage and access to care for its members, and launched a regularly updated resource center that includes information about how to stay safe, a downloadable tip sheet for employers, a video featuring a Blue Cross physicians, and answers to frequently asked questions. In addition, Blue Cross’ health news site, Coverage, produces timely, original news articles reporting what health consumers need to know about COVID-19.
Methodology
These results are based on a statewide survey of 597 residents of Massachusetts. Live telephone interviews were conducted March 20-23, 2020 via both landline and cell phone as part of a tracking survey. The final data was weighted to known and estimated parameters on gender, age, race, country, and education. The margin of sampling error is 4.0 percentage points with a 95 percent level of confidence.
About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (www.bluecrossma.com) is a community-focused, tax-paying, not-for-profit health plan headquartered in Boston. We are committed to the relentless pursuit of quality, affordable health care with an unparalleled consumer experience. Consistent with our promise to always put our members first, we are rated among the nation’s best health plans for member satisfaction and quality. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
About the MassINC Polling Group
The MassINC Polling Group is a nonpartisan public opinion research firm serving public, private, and social-sector clients. MPG elevates the public’s voice with cutting edge methods and rigorous analysis. Based in Boston, MPG serves a nationwide client base.
New MassINC/ Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Tracking Poll Finds Residents Bracing for Months of Disruption
Download topline results (PDF)
Massachusetts residents view the coronavirus strain COVID-19 as a serious and worsening threat and are bracing for a long road ahead. More than 70% believe disruptions will last a month or more, and 46% foresee two or more months of upheaval. The findings are part of the first wave of data from a statewide Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts/ MassINC Polling Group tracking poll.
The poll was conducted March 16-19, 2020 by the MassINC Polling Group among a representative sample of Massachusetts residents. The weekly survey will monitor key elements of public opinion and reaction in the days and weeks to come. Each wave will be made publicly available for state and local leaders as well as residents, researchers and the media. The survey was commissioned as part of Blue Cross’ broader efforts to support the community’s response to COVID-19.
“Up to now, we have had relatively little data reflecting how Massachusetts residents are reacting to the crisis and what they are prepared for going forward,” said Steve Koczela, president of The MassINC Polling Group, who is overseeing the poll. “This is what a survey like this is meant to provide, filling in critical information gaps to enable leaders to act with confidence.”
The vast majority of those surveyed have changed their socializing, shopping and personal habits. However, a sizeable minority -- representing hundreds of thousands of residents of the state -- are not taking the isolating actions experts say will help slow the spread of the pandemic.
“Staying away from other people may be a sacrifice and it may be hard, but it’s also the kindest possible thing people can do right now,” said Katherine Dallow, MD, MPH, vice president of clinical programs and strategy at Blue Cross. “Continued emphasis on social distancing, frequent handwashing, and staying home when travel is not essential and especially when sick is critical.”
Key findings
Most residents are taking the personal actions needed to help “flatten the curve” and keep infections at a level the health care system can manage. But a small minority have not changed their daily habits: 13% say they are still using physical greetings like hugs and handshakes; 14% say they have not changed their handwashing habits; 13% say they have not changed their usual shopping patterns; and 6% say they are still “seeing or visiting many people.” Six percent represents approximately 400,000 residents of Massachusetts.
Residents understand the degree of threat, with 88% calling it a serious threat to the people of Massachusetts. Most say the outbreak is still becoming more serious at this phase (66%). One sign that that public is paying attention to the details: a near-unanimous 96% of residents say coronavirus poses a very or somewhat serious threat to the elderly.
The pandemic is dominating the news and public attention in an unprecedented way, with 67% of residents reporting they are following news about coronavirus “very closely.” The public is also aware of specific facets of the story, with 69% aware of the shortage of coronavirus tests that has hampered the public response.
In the absence of testing, public officials have resorted to sweeping social distancing measures, amounting to a near-lockdown in some areas. Here in Massachusetts, most say the response in their own area has been about right (64%), while another 23% say it should go further. The disruptions to everyday life have been universal, and just 23% see the upheaval lasting less than a month.
As the economic impact of the pandemic takes hold, working residents report changes to their habits as well. Some are in a position to continue their employment remotely, but this is far from universal, with just 48% of employed residents saying they have worked remotely during the crisis. There is a stark socioeconomic divide - just 31% of hourly workers have worked from home, compared to 67% of salaried workers.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Blue Cross has expanded coverage and access to care for its members, and launched a regularly updated resource center that includes information about how to stay safe, a downloadable tip sheet for employers, a video featuring a Blue Cross physicians, and answers to frequently asked questions. In addition, Blue Cross’ health news site, Coverage, produces timely, original news articles reporting what health consumers need to know about COVID-19.
Full survey results can be found here and here.
Methodology
These results are based on a statewide survey of 603 residents of Massachusetts. Live telephone interviews were conducted March 16-19, 2020 via both landline and cell phone as part of a tracking survey. The final data was weighted to known and estimated parameters on gender, age, race, country, and education. The margin of sampling error is 4.0 percentage points with a 95 percent level of confidence.
About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (www.bluecrossma.com) is a community-focused, tax-paying, not-for-profit health plan headquartered in Boston. We are committed to the relentless pursuit of quality, affordable health care with an unparalleled consumer experience. Consistent with our promise to always put our members first, we are rated among the nation’s best health plans for member satisfaction and quality. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
About the MassINC Polling Group
The MassINC Polling Group is a nonpartisan public opinion research firm serving public, private, and social-sector clients. MPG elevates the public’s voice with cutting edge methods and rigorous analysis. Based in Boston, MPG serves a nationwide client base.