Wage Inequality

America is faced with many persistent issues, many of which are due to the growing divide between our two leading parties. One issue that profoundly stands out is income inequality and poverty. Income is a major determinant of health and well-being. Some of the most significant aspects of an individual’s life are determined by income level or socioeconomic status. Income plays a significant role in education and employment opportunities, and most notably housing status. Outside of occupational disparities those with a lower income status are also subject to more health concerns, a trend that has worsened in recent years due to the COVID 19 pandemic. According to the National library of Public Medicine, data from Medicare revealed that older adults with a low income are more likely to be diagnosed and hospitalized with COVID 19.  
The COVID 19 pandemic was followed by more concerning trends past the pandemic’s initial stages. According to the National Library of Public Medicine, the wealthy fared well during the pandemic and by august of 2021, estimates suggest that the collective wealth of U.S billionaires increased by over a trillion dollars. Meanwhile, millions still live at or below the poverty line. Data from the U.S census bureau revealed that 37 million people lived in poverty, 15 million of which are children. Considering the impact income has on health and longevity, this is a concerning figure affecting predominantly marginalized communities. For decades, we have seen the effects wealth disparity has on health factors, yet this problem persists. The National Library of Public Medicine found that today 50% of household income goes to the top 10% of income earners in America, while only 13 % of household income goes to the bottom 50% of income earners. This dispairty also coincides with survival rate, as income determines the quality of housing, education, and healthcare. Without the ability to afford necessities, low-income individuals are subject to a more hazardous lifestyle meaning that health factors as well as crime and violence are more likely to occur for those affected by the wealth disparity.  
For long before the start of the COVID 19 pandemic, wealth inequality was a major problem that created more disparities for those affected. For decades we have seen the impacts this issue has on health and well-being. Like many Americans one can only hope our government intervenes and, at the very least, reduces the severe impacts that arise from wealth inequality.  ​