Economic Inequality and Health Disparities

The World Health Organization defines health equity as the absence of disparities in health outcomes. Individuals with lower socioeconomic status may experience reduced access to healthcare services, Medicaid and Medicare programs, and community health centers. According to some sources, individuals with lower socioeconomic status experience poorer health outcomes, including lower life expectancy, higher rates of chronic diseases, and reduced access to healthcare services. The lack of access to healthcare services, such as expensive cancer medication Keytruda, exacerbates health disparities. The American Medical Association has emphasized the importance of addressing healthcare access and utilization disparities.