Are you or a loved one having symptoms weeks, months, or years after a COVID-19 infection? 

While many Long COVID patients feel hopeless and frustrated, federal programs are working to provide resources and support to the millions of Americans suffering multiple symptoms and financial hardship. Learn more about how the Department of Health and Human Services plans to improve both services and research to benefit those impacted by Long COVID. 

What services are being offered to Long COVID sufferers? 

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) knows that many patients still don’t know where to go for care, or aren’t getting the care they need. Moreover, many doctors do not have the tools they need to treat Long COVID. The Services Report provides detailed information on approximately a dozen federally supported programs to help Long COVID sufferers. 

The report provides resources and information for those experiencing challenges with:

• Healthcare coverage and access
• Community services
• Income and financial assistance
• Housing
• Food
• Child care
• Education
• Caregiving support

Support is also provided for those experiencing behavioral health challenges and bereavement as a result of COVID-19 and its aftermath.

What is the federal government’s research plan?

Along with many Long COVID patients, doctors are also frustrated by the lack of detailed knowledge about the syndrome they are attempting to treat, as well as the lack of proven therapies. The Biden administration addresses this urgent need in the Research Plan. From current research available, the plan characterizes the causes and consequences of Long COVID and potential treatment options. 

After discussions with patients, provider groups, professional medical organizations, researchers, and advocates, the Research Plan outlines important research initiatives. The seven areas of focus include:

• Characterizing the full spectrum of Long COVID and diagnosing strategies
• Pathophysiology (the bodily changes occurring because of COVID-19)
• How often Long COVID occurs in different groups of people, and why
• Long COVID and overall well-being
• Therapies and other health interventions
• Human services, supports, and interventions
• Health services and health economics research

What are the next steps?

The two reports created by the Biden administration aim to equitably address the long-term concerns of COVID-19 and the pandemic. To ensure the plans and goals within the reports are met, HHS will create a new Office of Long COVID Research and Practice to coordinate and assign the work. 

As our nation continues to recover from the pandemic, we need to follow a plan that will help us mitigate, address, and recover from its sustained impacts, including Long COVID. 

*Levine, R., Haffajee, R., & Delphin-Rittmon, M. (2022, August 3). Long COVID Research, Services, and Supports: A Call To Action. Health Affairs. https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/forefront/long-COVID-research-services-and-supports-call-action