How Income Disparities in America Influence Health Outcomes

Author: Autumn Price

August 7, 2025

[Image source: American Hospital Association]

Good health, access to adequate healthcare, and health resources are basic human rights. Unfortunately, economic disparities create significant barriers to healthcare access. Many news articles, documentaries, and professional research papers have found disturbing evidence detailing how differences in income across various populations can influence health outcomes. The key to fixing this widespread problem within the United States is understanding the root of economic disparities, then producing solutions that suit the public’s needs.

According to The American Journal of Public Health, individuals and communities with low incomes face a greater risk of chronic stress and anxiety, food and job insecurity, mental illness, an unhealthy diet, and higher rates of mortality. The reason for this is that income directly correlates to the number of resources we have available to us, the potential diseases we are exposed to, and our ability to alleviate these risk factors (AJPH, 2021). Conversely, higher incomes typically lead to better physical and mental health, a reduced risk of chronic diseases, access to healthier food and healthcare, and increased longevity (Urban Institute, 2015). 

It is necessary to understand the impact that this inequality has on the economy. Consider a scenario in which a high-earning business owner is not faced with the same barriers regarding health and healthcare access as their employees who earn lower wages. This dilemma still has an impact on the business owner due to low-income workers having higher healthcare expenses and lower productivity (from injuries and/or illnesses). Additionally, individuals with lower incomes have less disposable income, meaning they are more likely to prioritize needs over wants, hurting overall business profits. (Urban Institute, 2015). This example illustrates the reality of the synergistic relationship between everyone in society and how advancing the public good ultimately helps us all. 

There are a few ways to increase access to healthcare. One method is to increase and expand affordable healthcare coverage. High prices often make health insurance unaffordable for many individuals and families; offering coverage at rates that suit multiple income levels will make it more accessible to all people. Another way is to introduce telehealth services (often with restrictions due to limited Medicare coverage and required in-person visits) and mobile clinics. This solution would provide healthcare for those who reside in rural areas, those who live far away from hospitals or medical facilities, and those who are without personal or public transportation - a total of over 60 million Americans, or one fifth of America’s population (U.S. Government Accountability Office, 2023). Finally, one issue that is often overlooked but is nonetheless very crucial to note, is cultural awareness. Many minority groups shy away from pursuing medical attention for fear of being disrespected, misunderstood, or overlooked due to historical injustices in the medical field. Increasing cultural sensitivity and awareness among medical professionals will create a more inclusive, welcoming environment and improve the likelihood of all demographics seeking necessary medical care (University of Southern California, 2023). 

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Glossary

• Alleviate: To make suffering, deficiencies, or problems less severe.

• Conversely: Used to introduce a statement that presents a contrasting or opposite idea to the one previously stated. 

• Cultural awareness: Recognizing and appreciating the diversity of human experiences and perspectives.

• Cultural sensitivity: Understanding and respecting the differences between cultures without assigning value judgements. 

• Demographic: Relating to the structure of populations and the different groups within them.

• Disposable income: The amount of money left to spend and save after income tax has been deducted.

• Economic disparities: Vast differences in income, wealth, and economic opportunities that exist within a population.

• Healthcare: Efforts made to maintain, restore, or promote someone’s physical, mental, or emotional well-being, especially when performed by trained and licensed professionals.

• Inclusive: Providing equal access to opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized.

• Inequality: An unfair situation in which some people have more rights or better opportunities than others.

• Longevity: A long duration of individual life.

• Mobile clinic: Portable healthcare units (that can be used to treat isolated, vulnerable groups, and newly displaced populations).

• Minority group: A culturally, ethnically, or racially distinct group that coexists with but is subordinate to a more dominant group. 

• Mortality: The state of being subject to death. 

• Public good: A commodity or service that every member of a society can use without reducing its availability to all others.

• Rural: The countryside (not the city). 

• Synergistic: The combined power of working together that is greater than the power achieved by working separately. 

• Telehealth: The provision of healthcare remotely by means of telecommunications technology. 

• The American Journal of Public Health: A monthly peer-reviewed public health journal published by the American Public Health Association that covers health policy and public health.

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Sources

1. American Journal of Public Health. (2021, August 31). Income and Income Inequality Are a Matter of Life and Death. What Can Policymakers Do About It? American Journal of Public Health.

   https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/full/10.2105/AJPH.2021.306301 

2. University of Southern California. (2023, November 17). How to Improve Access to Health Care: Issues & Potential Solutions. University of Southern California Sol Price School of Public Policy. https://healthadministrationdegree.usc.edu/blog/how-to- improve-access-to-health-care 

3. Urban Institute. (2015, April). How Are Income and Wealth Linked to Health and Longevity?  Urban Institute. 

   https://www.urban.org/sites/default/files/publication/49116/2000178-How-are- Income-and-Wealth-Linked-to-Health-and-Longevity.pdf