Health care inequality is when there is a significant health difference between one group of people in the economy compared to another, with limited access to health care. In the United States, health care inequality is linked to income inequality. Research has shown that the higher your income, the better your health.
Causes of Health Care Inequality
There are six reasons for poor health among low-income families:
Poverty Increases the Likelihood of Illness
A 2013 study showed that the number of low-income families suffering from poor health was 15% higher than that of wealthy families. 38.6% of the five poorest in the study were affected by high blood pressure compared to 29.9% of the five richest.
Inequality in Care
Low-income neighborhoods may not have access to the best hospitals, doctors’ clinics, and medical technology nearby. This is especially true for rural areas. Southern states also suffer from worse health care than northern states if evaluated by health outcomes.
Rising Health Care Costs
Increasing health care costs can drive people into poverty. A 2018 study found that medical expenses pushed 7 million people below the federal poverty line. Medical bills have become the largest debt collection source for collection agencies. Each year, about 530,000 people declare medical bankruptcy.
Lack of Access to Health Insurance
Many poor workers do not meet the eligibility requirements for Medicaid. They can get financial assistance under the Affordable Care Act, but those policies often only cover some hospitals and doctors’ clinics. Again, in rural areas, covered medical services may be insufficient.
Poor Health Can Lead to Poverty
Those suffering from poor health are more likely to end up in poverty. It’s difficult to find and maintain a high-paying job if you have a chronic illness. Conditions such as addiction to alcohol and drugs can make any steady employment impossible.
Age
The sixth reason is that older adults are more susceptible to illness. They are also more likely to be in poverty. In 2016, half of the people using Medicare had an income of less than $26,200. Nearly 10% of them needed the minimum for poverty.
How Health Care Inequality Affects You
Health care inequality increases the cost of medical care for everyone. People who cannot afford preventive care end up in the hospital emergency room. For example, treating diabetes with medication is likely to be less expensive than treating a diabetic coma in the hospital.
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