27 Jan Health implications of income inequality

Posted at 11:05h in Health Equity by

By Joe Neel, NPR

Income inequality in the U.S. is at an all-time high, according to the Census Bureau. And a recent poll from NPR, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health shows that regardless of their income, Americans generally view this as a serious problem.

A majority (57%) believes that very wealthy Americans should pay more in taxes than they do now. And nearly half (48%) of the top 1% believe very wealthy Americans should pay more.

The poll examined the life experiences of people at all income levels. From paying medical bills and affording housing to coping with unexpected expenses, Americans face very different realities. The scope of these choices carry profound implications for the country’s health and for society at large.

Tune in at 12 p.m. ET Monday for a webcast to explore these differences, as well as consider approaches, such as taxation, that could narrow the income gaps. Read more …