Life Experiences and Income Inequality in the U.S.: Implications for Health

As stark income inequalities among American households increase, a poignant picture has emerged of the differences in life experiences between middle- and lower-income households and the wealthiest households. From paying medical bills, to affording housing, to coping with unexpected expenses, and other needs, Americans face very different realities — and the scope of these choices carry profound implications for the country’s health and for society at large. This Forum examined these differences, as well as consider approaches, such as taxation, that could narrow the income gaps.

As background, The Forum drew on results from a unique recent poll that reveals the viewpoints not only of middle- and lower-income respondents, but also of a group not typically captured in polls — those households earning annually at least $500,000 a year (the top 1%). The poll was done by NPR, The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and the Harvard Chan School and covers areas such as financial stress, health care, and life satisfaction.

This Forum event was presented jointly with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and NPR on January 27, 2020.

Watch the entire series: https://theforum.sph.harvard.edu/