Latest news with #TomMorey
Associated Press
23-04-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
9 in 10 Americans Have Put Off Health Checkups and Screenings That Could Help Save Their Lives
Originally published on Aflac Newsroom COLUMBUS, Ga., April 23, 2025 /3BL/ — April is National Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month, a time to emphasize the importance of preventive health care and the value of early detection. Key findings from the third annual Wellness Matters Survey1 released by Aflac, the leading provider of supplemental health insurance in the U.S.,2 reveal a vast majority of Americans (90%) put off getting a checkup or recommended screening that could help identify and treat serious illness early. The survey uncovers what may be keeping many, particularly younger Americans, from going to the doctor: fear of bad news, personal embarrassment, inconvenience, logistical barriers and distrust or dislike of doctors. Health care on holdAcross all generations, many Americans may put their health care on hold because going to the doctor is not easy — both logistically and emotionally. The survey uncovered an alarming 94% of Americans face barriers to getting recommended screenings in the suggested time frames. Americans have avoided these common preventive care screenings: pap smear (33%); prostate exam (32%); colonoscopy (32%); mammogram (31%); blood test (31%); full body skin cancer exam (27%); STD screening (22%). Notably, millennials are most likely to avoid these overall screenings (62%), closely followed by Gen Z (61%). Reactive versus proactive health careThe survey reveals possible cognitive dissonance taking place: Americans know they should take a moment to schedule a preventive care screening or wellness visit, but their behavior often suggests otherwise. For 65% of Americans, experiencing a health scare is what made them realize they need to be more proactive about their health. Attitudes about preventive care are often counterintuitive, however, as many of those who believe they will be diagnosed with cancer are more likely to delay screenings (62% vs. 42%). Experiencing a personal health scare reinforced the importance of preventive care for Aflac Senior Vice President and Chief Actuary Tom Morey. In his mid-20s, he faced a significant and sudden health crisis that kept him out of work for nearly two years and in and out of hospitals for 18 months. 'My personal experiences bring a clear focus on the concerning uptick, as our study reveals, in the number of Americans who may not be on a path to good health. Many avoid going to the doctor instead of doing what they can to avoid a health scare or detect a problem early,' said Morey. 'It starts with making preventive care a priority and taking steps toward establishing a trusted relationship with a primary care doctor. Personally, this helped me to feel more confident, more in control of my health and more empowered to deal with an illness that, otherwise, may have gone undetected.' Where Americans are turning — or not — for health care Urgent care and emergency rooms provide significant value in American society; however, according to the study, having a primary care physician is correlated with being more likely to get regular checkups. Yet nearly 1 in 5 Americans does not have a regular primary care physician who knows them and understands their medical history. The most common reason for not having a primary care physician is feeling healthy, but that could lead to fewer screenings and more costly health care. Many Americans (41%) — and Gen Z (51%) and millennials (54%) — primarily use urgent care or the emergency room for their medical needs. Men (46%), African Americans (47%), Asian Americans (45%) and U.S. Hispanics (44%) are the most likely to seek medical attention from an urgent care or emergency room. Telehealth is most popular among millennials and Gen X. While younger generations still visit their doctors, they are more likely than older generations to consult family and friends — and turn to social media — regarding health concerns. While Americans were still slow to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) over the last 12 months, many Americans (68%) are interested in consulting AI in the future when faced with a health concern. Gen Z women (82%) share more interest in trying AI for a health concern, compared to Gen Z men (71%). Gender differences emerging across many aspects of healthAmong Americans under age 60, women are most likely to admit to skipping common recommended screenings: Gen Z women (68% versus 55% Gen Z men); millennial women (63% versus 61% millennial men); Gen X women (63% versus 54% Gen X men). Survey data reveals a chasm between young men and women's beliefs around their health and their agency to control it. In fact, Gen Z women (63%) are far less confident in their ability to control their physical health versus Gen Z men (83%). When it comes to mental health, Gen Z women (51%) are far less confident in their ability to control it, compared to Gen Z men (71%). An even wider gap is uncovered in financial health confidence: Gen Z women (49%) versus Gen Z men (71%). U.S. Hispanics and African Americans most often choose community to reinforce good healthWhen people are confident that their loved ones prioritize their health, they also are more likely to do so. In fact, 70% prioritize recommended screenings and tests versus 49% who are less confident. Also, according to the survey, Hispanic men (86%) are most likely to be swayed by a loved one urging — or even nagging — them to act on their personal health, followed by African American (84%) and Hispanic women (83%). In general, men (79%) are more likely than women (71%) to say that nagging is effective. The study also finds that families who prioritize health tend to do so together. Many Americans say their spouses or partners are their biggest health advocates after themselves. Parents advocate for their children, with one-third of African Americans and one-third of U.S. Hispanics citing their mothers as their top advocate. As children grow up, they advocate for their parents, too. These advocates play an important role in disease prevention. In fact, of those diagnosed with cancer, 24% say a loved one urged them to get checked — making a meaningful difference. African Americans are more likely than other ethnic groups to be diagnosed during a regularly scheduled screening (34%) or at an appointment scheduled at the urging of a loved one (32%). Many Americans (73%) feel the positive benefits of thoughtful nudge about preventive care, with 83% African Americans, 79% U.S. Hispanics, 78% Gen Z and 77% millennials expressing thankfulness or a sense of relief that a friend or loved one urged them to go to the doctor. 'Having a 'we are in this together' approach to our health may lead to better outcomes for Americans, their families and loved ones,' said Morey. 'One way to advocate is to schedule preventive care appointments together, at the same time. Our survey shows that Americans who book health appointments at a specific time of year are twice as likely to follow through with recommended checkups and screenings.'Aflac Wellness Matters Survey results are available to American consumers, health care providers, families and health-related stakeholders to educate and inspire a healthier population. To learn more about the 2025 Wellness Matters Survey and find tips on how to take charge of your own health and encourage others to prioritize theirs, visit ABOUT THE 2025 AFLAC WELLNESS MATTERS SURVEY This third annual Aflac Wellness Matters Survey, conducted in January 2025, provides insight into the health care attitudes, behaviors and influences of U.S. adults. It explores important issues such as routine health appointments and recommended health screenings, how health care is prioritized compared to other factors, and who are the biggest influences on individuals' decisions to seek routine care. The survey was conducted among a nationally representative sample of 2,000 employed U.S. adults ages 18-65 in January 2025 by Kantar Profiles on behalf of Aflac. ABOUT AFLAC INCORPORATED Aflac Incorporated (NYSE: AFL), a Fortune 500 company, has helped provide financial protection and peace of mind for nearly seven decades to millions of policyholders and customers through its subsidiaries in the U.S. and Japan. In the U.S., Aflac is the No. 1 provider of supplemental health insurance products.2 In Japan, Aflac Life Insurance Japan is the leading provider of cancer and medical insurance in terms of policies in force. The company takes pride in being there for its policyholders when they need us most, as well as being included in the World's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere for 19 consecutive years (2025) and Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies for 24 years (2025). In addition, the company became a signatory of the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) in 2021 and has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index (2024) for 11 years. To find out how to get help with expenses health insurance doesn't cover, get to know us at or Investors may learn more about Aflac Incorporated and its commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainability at under 'Sustainability.' Media contact: Jon Sullivan, 706-763-4813 or [email protected] Analyst and investor contact: David A. Young, 706-596-3264, 800-235-2667 or [email protected] 1 2025 Wellness Matters Survey 2 LIMRA 2024 U.S. Supplemental Health Insurance Total Market Report Aflac's family of insurers include American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus, American Family Life Assurance Company of New York, Continental American Insurance Company, and Tier One Insurance Company. Aflac | WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999 Z2500249Exp. 4/26 Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from Aflac Incorporated
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New Aflac Accident policy offers holistic benefits to help policyholders fully recover
Aflac Accident Insurance offers broad post-accident treatment and therapy coverage COLUMBUS, Ga., Feb. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Recognizing that accidents can happen anytime, anywhere and to anyone, Aflac Incorporated, a leading provider of supplemental health insurance in the U.S., announced today the launch of its latest individual Aflac Accident Insurance product to help provide financial peace of mind when facing a covered accident. The new Aflac Accident Insurance plan provides policyholders with cash benefits* after a covered accident, including health services such as ambulance, ER, urgent care, physical therapy, mental health therapy and more. The product is available in 32 states and provides a variety of coverage types that appeal to consumers in all life stages. A primary feature of the new product is how it nearly doubles coverage for follow-up care treatments, including broadening treatment care to include mental health benefits when an accident occurs. The enhancements also provide increased preventive care, designed to promote overall health and wellness. Besides the physical pain, the financial impact from treating accidents can be just as hurtful and costly. The 2025 Aflac WorkForces Report shows that 51% of American employees could not pay $1,000 out-of-pocket in the event of an unexpected illness or injury. Nearly 22% said they could not cover $500. Aflac's new Accident Insurance plan is designed to help consumers and their families become better prepared to address many of the everyday expenses that health insurance doesn't cover when an accident occurs. "Accidents happen, and when they do, Aflac can assist in easing the financial pain by helping to mitigate the costs associated with unanticipated medical bills and more. We want policyholders to make a full recovery, which means providing innovative benefits to help them deal with the physical, mental and emotional challenges they may face following an accident," explained Aflac Senior Vice President, Chief Actuary Tom Morey. "Consumers are seeking a more holistic, simpler approach to their health care and health insurance, which is why we believe that the Aflac Accident Insurance plan will generate a great deal of interest with our current and future policyholders." Key benefits include: Nearly doubled benefits — Out-of-pocket expenses increase with the severity of an accident, so this new plan nearly doubles benefits related to post-accident medical care visits per covered accident based on policyholder need. New innovative benefits such as built-in building benefits for hospital and ICU confinement — Benefit levels increase each year the policyholder continues to pay premiums, up to five years, providing greater value for persistent customers. Enhanced benefits for common accident outcomes — Improved benefits address common accidents like fractures, dislocations, lacerations, concussions, burns, emergency dental work, eye injuries, surgical procedures and more. Line of duty benefit rider — Designed for first responders, this rider provides an additional $10,000 if injured in the line of duty (additional requirements apply). "The scale of potential accidents can turn life upside down for a day or two, or in some cases, impact a family for weeks, months or even years. We want our policyholders to have the financial peace of mind to focus on their recovery, not financial stress," Morey said. "If you've had a qualifying accident, Aflac wants to make it as simple as possible to receive a diverse menu of cash benefits when you need them most." For more information visit ABOUT AFLAC INCORPORATEDAflac Incorporated (NYSE: AFL), a Fortune 500 company, has helped provide financial protection and peace of mind for nearly seven decades to millions of policyholders and customers through its subsidiaries in the U.S. and Japan. In the U.S., Aflac is the No. 1 provider of supplemental health insurance products.1 In Japan, Aflac Life Insurance Japan is the leading provider of cancer and medical insurance in terms of policies in force. The company takes pride in being there for its policyholders when they need us most, as well as being included in the World's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere for 18 consecutive years (2024) and Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies for 23 years (2024). In addition, the company became a signatory of the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) in 2021 and has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index (2024) for 11 years. To find out how to get help with expenses health insurance doesn't cover, get to know us at or Investors may learn more about Aflac Incorporated and its commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainability at under "Sustainability." 1 LIMRA 2023 U.S. Supplemental Health Insurance Total Market Report Media contact: Jon Sullivan, 706-763-4813 or jsullivan@ and investor contact: David A. Young, 706-596-3264, 800-235-2667 or dyoung@ *Cash benefits are paid directly to the insured, unless assigned otherwise. Accident (Series A38000): In Arkansas, Policies A38100AR, A38200AR, Z382OFAR, A38300AR. In Delaware, Policies A38100DE, A38200DE, A382OFDE, A38300DE. In Oklahoma, Policies A38100OK, A38200OK, A382OFOK, A38300OK. In Texas, Policies A38100TX, A38200TX, A382OFTX, A38300TX. This is a brief product overview only. Coverage may not be available in all states, including but not limited to ID, NY, OR, PA, or VA. Benefits/premium rates may vary based on plan selected. Optional riders may be available at an additional cost. Plans and riders may also contain a waiting period. Refer to the exact plans and riders for benefit details, definitions, limitations and exclusions. For availability and costs, please contact your local Aflac agent/producer. Coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. Aflac | Aflac New York | WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Aflac
