...Truth about the Income Disparity Recently, President Barack Obama announced his plan to rein in the compensation of executives and raise tax rates on capital gains. This has again brought the topic of America’s widening income gap to the front page. While it is true that the wealth of America has long been dominated by a small number of people, most Americans do not see it as economic inequality or an obstacle to the development of the economy, which can be explained from two aspects—culture and economy. Instead, the real problem is the workers’ slow-paced wage increase, especially compared with the rising health care costs. Admittedly, most of the household income and wealth in America are occupied by a small minority of people at the very top, and actually the income gap has been rising at an increasing pace for the last few years. According to the data released by the Internal Revenue Service in 2005, 21.2% of all the household income went to the top 1% of Americans, the percentage of which was just 19% in 2004, and 20.8% in 2000—the previous high hit due to the skyrocket stock market. First of all, however, are the income disparity and economic inequality the same thing? Definitely not. As pointed out by Ladd and Bowman, rooted in the concept of equality for Americans is the notion of “equality of opportunity” (33). Great disparity in income distribution among social members can be tolerated as long as they can perceive that they have the opportunity to move...
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...It's time to talk about something important, the racial-imbalanced levels of poverty in our city. The disparities between racial groups need to be addressed. According to the Illinois Policy Institute, the Black population has the highest poverty rate at 14.8%, which is higher than the national average of 11.6%. In addition to this, the US Census Bureau states, the poverty rates for Blacks and Hispanics have reached historic lows of 13.3% and 12.8%. This means that even though racial disparities in income and poverty are still going on, progress is being made in closing the gap. The difference in the poverty rates of White and Black people in Chicago is evidence of the systemic injustices that still persist in our society. The statistics...
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...Decreasing health disparity in the Hispanic community Grand Canyon University Family Centered Health Promotion NRS-429V-O50 Decreasing health disparity in the Hispanic community About 36.6% of the population in the U.S belong to or identifies as one of the 5 ethnic minority groups. These groups are Native Hawaiian, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, African American or Black, or Pacific Islander. The U.S has the most expensive health care system in the world yet many of these minority groups are worse off in regards to socioeconomic and health care status if compared to white Americans. It is plain to see this health disparity when some communities have death rates comparable to 3rd world countries. As of 2013, according to the U.S Census Bureau, one of the largest minority groups was people of Hispanic origin; they made up about 17% of the U.S population or approximately 54 million people. This group is a rapidly growing set that it is estimated that by 2060, Hispanics would number around 128.8 million people. ("CDC," 2015) x Just like all ethnic groups in the U.S, the Hispanic population wishes to stay healthy, however due to high rates of poverty, this group experiences huge disparity in health care services. In 2012 29.1% of Hispanics lacked medical insurance. ("CDC," 2015) This becomes a problem that leads to another set of problems. Sick people are often diagnosed at a later time, due to lack of medical insurance or funds to access...
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...in the United States today. Three of the most difficult issues include diseases, health disparities and paying for health care. As we are capable of preventing diseases through preventive medicine and advanced technology, the mortality rate of the United States will continue to decline. Although this may be true, macro trends such as illnesses, diseases, injuries, and population groups are of concern. “Differential morbidity and mortality between men and women, among different ethnic groups, in different age groups within the population, by geographic region, and in other important population comparisons raise red flags about our limited successes for certain populations, and the challenges that we face” (Torrens & Williams, 2009). Health concerns such as hypertension, obesity, injuries and chronic diseases surround individuals in the United States today, regardless of their race, gender, income status or geographical location. Although a steady income, health insurance and access to care may exist for some individuals across the United States, health disparities are still clearly seen. “Many factors contribute to racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic health disparities, including inadequate access to care, poor quality of care, community features (such as poverty and violence) and personal behaviors” (NCSL, 2012). Due to the United States having a health disparity, it has contributed to an additional $229.4 billion in medical expenses between 2003 and...
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...Health Care Disparities Latanya Breeden Capella University Health Care Disparities America benefits when everyone has the opportunity to live a long, healthy and productive life, yet health disparities persist. A health disparity is a difference in health outcomes across subgroups of the population, often linked to social, economic, or environmental disadvantages (less access to good jobs, unsafe neighborhoods, and lack of affordable transportation options). Health disparities adversely affect groups of people who have systematically experienced greater obstacles to health on the basis of their racial or ethnic group, religion, socioeconomic status, gender, age, mental health, cognitive, sensory, or physical disability, sexual orientation or gender identity, geographic location, or other characteristics historically linked to discrimination or exclusion. The issues that involved in education and lifestyle choice disparities are the socioeconomic circumstances of persons and the places where they live and work strongly influence their health. In the United States, as elsewhere, the risk for mortality, morbidity, unhealthy behaviors, reduced access to health care, and poor quality of care increases with decreasing socioeconomic circumstances. This association is continuous and graded across a population and cumulative over the life course. Educational attainment and family or household income are two indicators used commonly to assess the influence...
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...Health Disparities Solutions: Nurses Can Make a Difference Can Nurses make a difference in reducing health disparities? I believe we can make a big difference, Nurses can work with communities in a “grassroots” type movement to bring attention to the gravity of the inequities built into our current healthcare system. Healthcare is first and foremost about people, and care should be directed by the needs of the people it serves. Secondly, caring is foundational to nursing and this is a concept must be deeply woven throughout all points of health care. The third aspect is the vast pit of inequalities in healthcare; the injustices, denial of treatment and quality healthcare to minorities and the disadvantaged poor. Nurses are known patients advocates, therefore nurses are well equipped, to become leaders, in constructing equitable changes in the system and improve the model of care. Nurses are well- appointed in their understanding, negotiating skills, knowledge of healthcare and patient centered care, to provide guidance and direction to implement meaningful changes. Research in health disparities has identified, that the U.S is burdened by huge social and economic inequalities; it identifies, discrimination, social status, income inequality, and policy decisions as the principal causes of health disparities. The nursing profession needs to reconsider its role and its purpose in reducing health disparities, they need to be proactive in establishing...
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...United States has become one of the fastest growing minority groups in the country. According, to the United States Census Bureau (2010), there are 50.5 millions Hispanic or Latinos living in the United States. (U.S. Census Bureau, 2010, p.2). Nevertheless, the Hispanic population is facing many challenges; some of those challenges are associated to health. In deed, the purpose of this paper is to discuss the health status, how is health promotions define, and what health disparities’ exist for the Hispanic or Latino population in the U.S. According to Smith et al. (as cited by Page-Reeves, Nifaratus, Mishra, Gingrich, & Bulten, 2013). …”the fact that individuals from low-income communities are exposed to higher levels of stress are now recognized as significant and cumulative influences on health and health disparities.” (Page-Reeves, et al. 201, p. 32). Furthmore, Hispanics are less likely to seek medical prevention of illness and disease, in comparison to non- Hispanic whites that have higher incomes and...
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...country is not something we should ignore; rather use it as a tool of understanding the African American culture. Their perception of healthcare and their willingness to seek help could be linked to the fear of social discrimination and the possibility of being treated differently if the healthcare providers are predominately white. The health disparities among African Americans today is something that cannot be ignored and is something that healthcare professionals need to take seriously. This paper will talk about the health disparities among African Americans and how we can make change to this by approaching the problem with health promotion and prevention techniques. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2015, the population of African Americans is estimated to be a 45 million; which is 15.2 percent of the United States population. Around 14.7 percent of the African American populations are shown statistically to live in fair or poor health. This particular race is known to suffer from high incidences of Heart Disease, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, poverty and high crime rate. All of these health disparities are either the cause of genetic predisposition, lack of education or financial issues. Healthcare providers need to be aware of this minority groups disadvantages and be able to promote health with these patients and educate them so they can properly prevent future complications. Such complications can go as far as End Stage Renal Disease which...
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...the debate has been the projected cost of ensuring accessible and affordable health care to every citizen. While some have struggled with the premise that health care reform can actually reduce health-related spending, the experience of racial and ethnic minorities under our current health care system is a strong indication that improving opportunities for good health – and minimizing inequities in health care access and outcomes – may well be good for the nation’s fiscal health, as well. This study, commissioned by the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies and carried out by leading researchers from Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland, provides important insight into how much of a financial burden racial disparities are putting on our health care system and society at large. The researchers examined the direct costs associated with the provision of care to a sicker and more disadvantaged population, as well as the indirect costs of health inequities such as lost productivity, lost wages, absenteeism, family leave, and premature death. What they found was striking. More than 30 percent of direct medical costs faced by African...
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...Ascertain whether the narrator’s views are in sync with your opinion of 21st Century U.S. health care. Provide support for your rationale. 3.Provide a financial rationale for following the current U.S. health care policies. Discuss your position in which you highlight, at a minimum, economic and ethical considerations. 4.Reflecting upon the material covered in this course, outline a five (5) stage plan which articulates the main ways in which you would improve the present U.S. health care system. Introduction Our health care system is complex in the way it is setup and the way it operates. There are many key issues that face the health care system in the United States today. Three of the most difficult issues include diseases, health disparities and paying for health care. As we are capable of preventing diseases through preventive medicine and advanced technology, the mortality rate of the United States will continue to decline. Although this may be true, macro trends such as illnesses, diseases, injuries, and population groups are of concern. “Differential morbidity and mortality between men and women, among different ethnic groups, in different age groups within the population, by geographic region, and in other important population comparisons raise red flags about our limited successes...
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...Health Promotion in the Hispanic Population William Hoff II Grand canyon university Family Centered Health Promotion NRS-429V Jennifer Wood April 26, 2015 Health Promotion in the Hispanic Population Many of the health disparities vary from one of the many minorities to the next. Does race, educational status, socioeconomic statues, or ethnicity have anything to do with it? This paper with focus on the Hispanic community as a whole and see what specific challenges they face and what the community is health care community is doing to address it. In 2013 the US consisted of 54 million Hispanics. That is about 17% of the national population and it’s expected to rise to 31% by 2060 ("Hispanic or Latino Populations," 2015, para 1). When surveyed in 2010 by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) it was found that Mexican-American adult women were twice as likely as female adult Caucasians and Diabetes rates were higher in adults of a Hispanic or African American heritage than adults of white non-Hispanic or Asian decent ("Hispanic or Latino Populations," 2015, para. 5). Even more alarming on average 31.5% of Hispanic adults over twenty have Cardiovascular disease second only to African Americans ("American Heart Association," 3013, p. 1). In 2012 23.3% students in high school and elementary school were Hispanic, but in colleges that same year they were only 6.8% ("Hispanic or Latino Populations," 2015, para. 4). Also 29.1% of Hispanic adults did not have health...
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...Populations in Current Events Paper Vulnerable Populations in Current Events Paper Vulnerable populations can be defined broadly to include any individual, group, or community whose circumstances present barriers to obtaining information or to access resources offered before, during and after a socio-economic and or life changing event. Additionally, it may include, but are not limited to: age; physical, mental, emotional, or cognitive status (CDC, 2014). In 2011, the American Hospital Association (AHA) Board Committee on Research (COR) examined emerging practices in effectively coordinating care for vulnerable populations of Medicaid beneficiaries. There are approximately 9.2 million Medicaid beneficiaries are dual eligibles – low-income seniors and younger persons with disabilities who are enrolled in both the Medicare and Medicaid programs (AHA, 2011). Barriers that may prevent these populations from obtaining needed services: Medicare and Medicaid dual eligibles are among the sickest and poorest individuals, and they must navigate both government programs to access necessary services. The barriers that may prevent these populations can range to in include economic status, their personal or family values, attitudes, culture, and life circumstances of these individuals and the communities in which they reside. CDC provides evidence that Medicare beneficiaries belonging to racial and ethnic minorities persistently experience an increasing disproportionate burden of preventable...
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...1 HEALTH DISPARITIES 2 The Health of Hispanic and Latinos Health disparities in the diverse American demography creates challenges in the overall health status of ethnic minorities. Tragic disadvantages on obtaining optimal health care can be linked to variables such as being from a specific socioeconomic status, race, geographic location, age, gender, mental health, genetic background, or having a disability. This injustice on how health care is being provided is debilitating for patients and the communities that they live in. Statistics Reviewing the statistics for Hispanics in the community against other groups indicates that the overall health of ages is fair or poor health in 9.6% of the population (National Center for Health Statistics, 2015). Another alarming statistic is that 16.4% of men and 7.4% of woman above 18 smoked cigarettes (National Center for Health Statistics, 2015). The rate of people under the age of 65 who did not have health insurance was over 25.5 percent (National Center for Health Statistics, 2015). Many of the diseases in the top categories that caused death in this population were cancer and heart disease (National Center for Health Statistics, 2011). Ethnic Disparities The racial ethnic disparities was greatest in both income and education for Hispanics and Non-Hispanic American Indians/ Alaskan Natives in the year 2011 (Disparities in Healthcare Quality Among Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups, 2014). Hispanics struggle...
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...that the United States is blessed far above all the countries in the world offering Universal Healthcare System established to take care of the health care needs of their citizens. I believe United States government should be directly involved in all facets of healthcare services, including health promotion, illness prevention, diagnosis and treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care. We should try to do this through reduction of health disparities among Americans, reduction of disparities in economic advantages of Hispanic and African Americans, and achievement of access to preventive services for all Americans. This is enormous, but it is achievable with our enormous God-given natural and human resources combined. As stated in the statistics given in the text, Health Care Delivery in the United States, “The value we put on health has led us to devote just under 20% of our economic resources to medical care and health promotion. Fully 13% of all jobs in America are in the health sector. Each of us spends a sizable share of our income on the health care we need. We spend this money through taxes, which support a good share of the health enterprise, through foregone wages used by our employers to pay for health insurance, and sizable out-of- pocket health care expenses for which each of us is responsible”; (Kovner and Knickman, 2011, p.158). The authors went further to highlight the obvious fact...
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...Introduction Despite all the approaches, disparities still exist as one of the major concerns in health and health care today. We made a little progress comparing to the years before in addressing this issue. In addition, the Affordable Care Act offer opportunities to tackle this issue vigorously. I firmly believe that it will be a much bigger issue if we do not eliminate the disparities now it will be very challenging when the US population becomes much more diverse. However, this policy memo addresses this particular issue, summarizes the causes or issues known about health and health care disparities, and provides recommendations and approaches to confront it. Causes Healthcare disparities are references to the differences that exist...
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