The Health-Wealth Gap in the United States
The United States is one of the richest countries in the world. In addition, the U.S. spends the highest overall percentage of its national GDP on healthcare costs among all countries in the world. Figures from 2012 indicate that the United States spent 17.9% of the national GDP on healthcare costs, amounting to a total of $8,895 USD per capita. Given that the United States is spending more than any other country in the world on healthcare cost, the outcome should be better overall health for the people. However, on measures of life expectancy, the United States ranks 42nd in the world. Similar countries, such as Japan, Switzerland, Australia, Italy, Sweden, Canada, and France rank among the top fifteen life expectancies in the world. In addition to dying earlier than persons in many other developed countries, Americans are also more likely to suffer from diseases or injuries. Why does the United States lag behind on these measures, given the amount spent on healthcare? While there is no singular reason as to why this is the case, one important factor has to do with the health-wealth gap.
Poverty and Healthcare
Differences in socioeconomic status among Americans are one part of the puzzle that affects the country’s overall health status. Those living below the poverty line are less likely to have the opportunity to purchase insurance through an employer. They may not be able to afford insurance and are in most cases less likely to be able to afford medical care should the need arise. Additionally, research has shown that those living below the poverty line in the United States are more likely to suffer from asthma or be overweight or obese. Thanks to the high cost of food, their nutrition is poorer. They are also more likely to suffer injuries and skip vaccinations. The cost of a gym membership is also a luxury for poor Americans. They are also less likely to be educated, and may therefore be less likely to find the cost of medical care worth it in the long run. Some may not associate regular visits to a physician with overall long-term health. All in all, the situation for those living in poverty is a dire one.
Non-Healthy Behaviors Contribute to Poor Health
In the United States, healthcare disparities don’t merely affect the impoverished. In a report titled “Shorter Lives, Poorer Health” researchers from the American Psychological Association (APA) found that all Americans, regardless of income, were more disadvantaged when it came to health than individuals from other wealthy nations, including Canada, Japan, Australia, and most countries in Western Europe. One of the reasons for this has to do with the quality of care offered through the American healthcare system. It is estimated that this accounts for 10% of poor health status among Americans. However, an even more prevalent reason for this has to do with personal behaviors. The researchers found that Americans are more likely to engage in behaviors that have a negative impact on health, including misusing both illegal drugs and prescription medication, driving under the influence of alcohol, and consuming, in general, more calories. Violent deaths also occur at a higher rate in the U.S. compared to similar countries, which has a significant impact on overall life expectancy averages.
The Impact of Disparity on a Society
When all is said and done, having money is not necessarily an indicator of better overall health. Even Americans who have insurance and have college educations suffer more health problems than their counterparts in other countries. Interestingly enough, it is the existence of a disparity that causes all members of the population to suffer. Research from the same report indicates that societies where equality is more prominent than inequality rank better on measures of overall wellbeing. These persons in general are less likely to be victims of violent crimes. Teen pregnancy occurs in lower rates. They are also less likely to be obese or suffer from mental health issues. In general, they live longer.
Challenges
The challenge in America lies in diminishing the gap between the wealthy and the poor, although in recent years it has grown considerably. In 2011 in the U.S., the richest one percent of the population made nearly 20% of the country’s pre-tax earnings. The consequences for this fissure are visible in the country’s overall health status. In order to move forward, better quality healthcare can only take the citizens of the United States so far. Achieving better health is also about creating a more egalitarian society.