Health and Poverty

You may be aware that socioeconomic status has an impact on health and access to healthcare. This research guide outlines some, but not all, of the way socioeconomic status can have an impact on health, with a focus on East Tennessee. Growing up in or living in poverty as an adult can impact health outcomes throughout the rest of someone's life, and so it is essential healthcare providers be aware of this systemic issue and how it impacts individual life. The guide also covers access to resources in East Tennessee and includes data on health and poverty. 

Health equity means that when someone needs healthcare, they are able to access it. Everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to reach their highest level of health (CDC, 2023). Gender, ethnicity, race, orientation, geographic location, or socioeconomic status should not be a barrier to accessing healthcare. Income inclusive access to healthcare is just one of the ways to achieve health equity. To learn more about health equity overall, the CDC has information on addressing injustices that lead to differing levels of health for groups, both historical and contemporary, overcoming obstacles to health, and get rid of health disparities where possible. 

Ways to be income inclusive on an individual level: 

• Work in, volunteer in, or support community health centers.
• Be aware of social determinants of health, especially in your community.
• Participate in community engagement to build trust and a social connection with members of the community.
• Use materials that are straightforward and easy-to-read and use when giving them to patients. For more information on this, please see Preston Medical Library's Health Literacy guide. 
• Learn to identify and interrupt discrimination, including implicit bias.
• Ensure all services are culturally appropriate and respectful. 

(CDC, 2022). 

Policy recommendations from the Brookings Institute:

• The system should guarantee adequate, affordable, and accessible care to all U.S. residents.
• There must be a strong community health system with an emphasis on social determinants of health.
• States must be allowed to adapt and innovate within national goals and a national framework.
• There needs to be horizontal equity in financial assistance.
• It is better to build on or adapt existing programs and institutions than attempt radical change. 

(Butler, 2020). 

How does this impact the healthcare system?

• Individuals living in poverty are less likely to have health insurance, and more likely to have insurance that does not offer complete coverage.
• Often, this leads to individuals not receiving preventative healthcare, so when they do access healthcare issues are exacerbated.
• Some medications, tests, and assistive devices are not affordable, meaning that individuals cannot access necessary treatments.
• When individuals cannot attend appointments because they do not have transportation, childcare, or the ability to take time off from work, it impacts both the individual and their healthcare practitioner.

Overall, lack of health equity because of socioeconomic inequalities can have major adverse effects for patients, which in turn impacts their providers and the overall healthcare system when issues that may have been easily treated become worse, patients are not able to attend appointments for care, or patients are not able to follow through with their care plan. Health equity is a complicated subject and is impacted by many other factors, including race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, geographic location, and more, but understanding that socioeconomic status has an impact on healthcare outcomes is an important aspect of working towards health equity.