Resources

With 56 percent of American adults reporting negative effects to their mental health from the pandemic, health plans can rely on lessons from large-scale natural disasters to anticipate member behavioral health needs. Studies in disaster trauma and recovery reveal distinct phases in how the public responds. Modeling reveals when members will be most vulnerable to grief and depression, as well as triggers that worsen these conditions.

Pandemics throughout history have been marked by mistrust of public health officials, rumors, unproven cures and scapegoating. Putting today's events into perspective can inform how plans engage with members.