One area of the survey showed relatively high numbers of Americans in agreement: namely, the idea of universal access to health care coverage. (Image: Chris Nicholls/ALM)
Whether or not our health care system works well for you could depend on your income level, according to a new national survey. The study, "Life Experiences and Income Inequality in the United States," was released by National Public Radio, the Harvard T. Chan School of Public Health Chan, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. According to the survey, income inequality has a significant effect on Americans' feelings about financial security, and on their attitudes towards things like health care, education, and other common life expenses.
In the area of health care, the report found that nearly half of middle-class Americans (48 percent) have experienced serious problems paying for medical bills, dental bills or prescription drugs. For lower-income Americans, that number is close to two-thirds (57 percent). Only 8 percent of the top 1-percent earners say they have had problems with health-related bills.
Inequality in many areas—but especially health care
The first part of this series discussed the survey's findings in areas such as unexpected expenses, housing costs, and credit card debt. In all cases, wealthier Americans expressed fewer problems and less anxiety about dealing with such financial challenges. Although low-income Americans expressed the most financial stress, a relatively high number of middle-class households also said they have struggled with common financial burdens.
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