COVID-19 affecting Baldwin Hills and Inglewood Black unemployed medical insurance

“Are you covered with medical insurance?”

Quality healthcare is a necessity but when you lose your job, how can you afford for it? COVID-19 has patients choosing between visiting their doctor or paying for mortgage and groceries.

Evelyn, 46, employed with reduced hours said she only visits the doctor now when she is experiencing an urgent issue. “Additional costs for my insurance impacts my regular monthly bills.”

Due to the pandemic some employees have lost their medical coverage. This is a major impact as the COVID-19 virus affects people who need to seek medical care. Local community members are avoiding doctor appointments as medical coverage is reduced. The pandemic has created a time for uncertainty and unanswered questions. However, the fact millions people have lost their jobs, and thousands losing lives to coronavirus makes this pandemic a reality. Local areas in Los Angeles Black affluent neighborhoods, Ladera Heights, Baldwin Hills and Inglewood are among those affected.

Currently, the county of Los Angeles is faced with a new stay at home order as we are within flu season. Influenza season is fall to winter seasons with peak months December- February.

According to the Center for Disease Control, everyone 6 months and older should get a vaccine every flu season. The flu vaccine protects against the influenza virus. The vaccine is very effective at preventing influenza virus. The flu is a respiratory illness and can have mild to severe, even death risks for contracting the virus.

Symptoms of the flu are very similar to the coronavirus; fever, cough, sore throat, runny/stuffy nose, muscle/body aches, headaches, fatigue and sometimes vomiting. The flu and COVID-19 are more life threatening for individuals with pre-existing health conditions.

COVID-19 testing centers have placed in many locations to give the public results of their exposure to the virus. Unfortunately, how are people able to pay for the COVID-19 vaccine or medical services if tested positive for COVID-19, when they are losing or lost their jobs?

I interviewed patients, friends and community members about the impact of COVID-19 on their decisions to seek medical care. Majority decided to avoid a doctor visit unless it was for a pre-existing condition or an emergency. This decision is to avoid a very expensive medical bill from the treatment.