April 05, 2023
This study suggests there are income-based disparities present even in countries with universal healthcare and robust social services. Researchers explored whether poorer outcomes observed in lower-income Americans relative to higher-income Americans were reduced in multiple countries, including Canada, with universal health insurance. They found high-income individuals had better survival rates and were more likely to receive life-saving treatments compared to low-income individuals, regardless of their country of residence or type of health system. Researchers say countries around the world need to redouble their efforts to assure the delivery of equitable care to persons across the spectrum of socioeconomic status.