When inequality exists in health care, the disadvantaged experience a lower quality of life and/or a higher illness and loss of life rate. The health care system in the United States is a prime example of inequalities in health care. It’s not free, so most of the inequality is enforced based on income; however, there are other inequalities such as pre-existing conditions. While the goal in each iteration over the years was to benefit the most people possible, there are always a few gaps and pitfalls in which some people in need slip through. As a direct result, these people are stressed due to the extreme financial burden of choosing between a massive medical bill or paying what is sometimes the cost of a mortgage monthly payment for insurance. “U.S. households with annual incomes below $50,000 report higher levels of stress than other families. Average stress levels have been falling since the 2007-2008 financial crisis, but the stress-gap between rich and poor households has been increasing.” (Inequality and Health, n.p) Also, some people fail to seek proper medical attention when they need it due to this financial burden.
A lot can be said for other nations like Canada, where health care is free for all and inequality based on income and pre-existing conditions does not exist. But I suppose what the U.S. has is better than no health care system at all, like some other developing nations across the world.
Reference :
Inequality and Health. (n.d.). Retrieved July 09, 2017, from https://inequality.org/facts/inequality-and-health/