2021 Equity Challenge Day 12: Inequity in Health Care

Earlier in the challenge, we examined the wealth gap. A similar gap exists in health care: the health-wealth gap. This is the disparity between racial groups when measuring health outcomes influenced by race, income and gender. Socioeconomic status and institutional racism lead to disparities across living conditions, limit access to quality health care and contribute to chronic stress. These factors lead to shorter lifespans and higher likelihood of adverse health outcomes for people living in poverty and people of color.  

The World Health Organization notes, “Health inequities are differences in health status or in the distribution of health resources between different population groups, arising from the social conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age. Health inequities are unfair and could be reduced by the right mix of government policies.” Reflecting back to Day Six, “Understanding Inequity Through Data,” we learn from the ALICE Report that health care costs make up a major portion of a household’s budget. According to the report, health care costs caused a significant increase in a Household Survival budget due to out-of-pocket expenses and lack of quality access to health care. This is especially true for elderly households, where reduced income and increased health care costs place an increasing burden on their budget.