KFF: 4 in 10 Lost Job, Money Over COVID-19

April 3, 2020

A Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) tracking poll released today show four in 10 Americans lost their jobs or work-related income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Those reporting lost jobs or wages include 54% of part-time workers, 47% of parents with children under age 18, and 45% of hourly or contract workers.

The poll, which was conducted March 25-30, also found:

• Nearly half of Americans (45%) say worry and stress related to COVID-19 is impacting their mental health;   
• About one-third (34%) say they have been unable to get needed medical care unrelated to COVID-19; and   
• Nearly a quarter (24%) report they were unable to get needed prescriptions.

Results also show the vast majority of Americans (92%) are participating in some kind of social distancing—up from 59% two weeks ago. A significant majority (82%) say they are sheltering-in-place, not leaving their homes except for essential needs as most states have ordered or recommend.

“Most Americans are taking steps recommended by public health experts to protect themselves, and Republicans are now getting the message,” said Drew Altman, KFF president and CEO.

Read more in Kaiser’s press release.