Health Income Gradient Among U.S. Households


Yildiz S.

3. Bilsel International Kibyra Scientific Researches Congress, Burdur, Turkey, 19 - 20 October 2024, pp.15

  • Publication Type: Conference Paper / Summary Text
  • City: Burdur
  • Country: Turkey
  • Page Numbers: pp.15
  • Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This research examines the relationship between health conditions, healthcare costs, and household income across different life stages. The analysis utilizes a comprehensive longitudinal dataset from the United States, allowing for the calculation of health-related dynamics within households over an extended period. This study develops indices for acute illnesses, chronic conditions, and hospitalization rates within families. Age-related patterns in these indices reveal significant age effects on the number of illnesses per household. While the acute illness index shows little correlation with income, the chronic illness index demonstrates a strong negative association even after accounting for age effects. Hospitalization rates also exhibit a negative correlation with income, albeit to a lesser extent than in chronic conditions. The results show that household wealth has no effect on household health status when income is controlled for.