Summary
Researchers estimate that long COVID will cost the US over $8 billion between 2025 and 2027 due to healthcare burden, managing symptoms, and loss to the workforce. A single case of long COVID could cost the US an average of between $9,906 and $11,646 annually, with productivity losses accounting for over 90% of these costs. There is currently no effective cure for long COVID, and treatment involves managing symptoms. The US is moving away from effectively managing long COVID, with funding cuts and a lack of national strategy.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story. Long COVID is a costly condition that affects millions of Americans, with estimated costs exceeding $8 billion over three years. The lack of effective treatment and national strategy exacerbates the issue. Funding cuts, such as the shuttering of the Office of Long COVID Research, have further hindered efforts to manage the condition. Employers will be significantly affected by productivity losses, with over 90% of costs attributed to lost work. The longer symptoms persist, the higher the total cost.
One thing is clear: the US is not prepared to handle the economic burden of long COVID.
Author: Evan Null
