The rising cost of healthcare and cuts made to public health programs have increased disparities between the rich and poor in the U.S, according to a study published in the Hill and reported on in benefitspro.
Here are four takeaways:
1. The study was conducted by Professors of Health Policy at the City University of New York Steffie Woolhandler, MD, and David Himmelstein, MD. The duo also founded the Physicians for a National Health Program advocacy group.
2. The gap in access worsened to a point where in 2012 the wealthiest 20 percent of America "consumed 43 percent more in medical services than the average American." It's a trend that Drs. Woolhandler and Himmelstein illustrate was not always the case. In 1977, the poor received 14 percent more in medical services than the wealthy.
3. The study does not include any years since the Affordable Care Act was implemented. Other studies have indicated that disparities have decreased after its implementation.
4. Dr. Woolhandler and Dr. Himmelstein argue that the ACA does not do enough to reduce disparities because of the high-cost of private insurance. Other providers have criticized the ACA and its narrow networks.
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