Poverty in Healthcare: Lowers Life Expectancy 14-25 Years, 22% Higher Hospitalization Rate.
The Federal Poverty Level is an income of less than $12,760 for individuals and less than $26,200 for a family of four. 10% of Americans live below the poverty level.
People living in poor neighborhoods in New Orleans have a 25 year lower life expectancy than those living in non-poor suburbs. In Kansas City, it's a 14 year difference.
People living in poverty have a 22% higher rate of hospitalization.
Poor people tend to have lower levels of education with 35% having only a high school diploma and 28% having no high school diploma.
Many of the poor work. There are 3 million working poor with full-time jobs.
Low literacy is a problem for the poor and many Americans... 54% of all US adults have a less than 6th-grade reading level. 46% of US adults cannot read their prescription labels.
Poor people also have more difficulty with transportation... 1/4 of the poor do not have a car and the distances they travel are about half that of the non-poor in cities like Atlanta and Los Angeles.
However, there are ways of helping the poor in their healthcare. Communication needs to be through speaking and listening... not the written word. 1) Navigation services must be over the phone, not printed/text material. 2) Primary Care Doctor Visits and the Workplace are great locations for in person communication.
Sources at AHealthcareZ YouTube Channel.
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