Table 1 Main studies estimating the economic burden of SES-related health inequality
From: The economic burden of health disparities related to socioeconomic status in Israel
Country (Year of estimation) | Socioeconomic index | Counterfactual scenario (more equal outcome) | Components of inequality-related economic burden: cost per year | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mortality and disabilities | Lost days of work | Excess medical care | ||||
[7] UK (2010) | Income | The health level is made equal to that in neighborhoods with above the median income | Loss of 1.3 years of life per person: £2.2 billion loss of 2.5–3.8 disability-free years per person. | £31 billion | £5.5 billion | 2.2% of GDP |
[8] EU—25 countries (2004) | Education | The health level is made equal to that of the population half with higher schooling | Those dying lose 16 years of life on average: €700 billion. Lost years of life in good health: €280 billion | €141 billion | €177 billion (20% of total healthcare expenditure, 1.7% of GDP) | 13% of GDP |
[9] U.S. (2003–2006) | Race / ethnic origin | The health level is made equal to that of the healthiest ethnic group | Lost years of life: $239 billion | $13 billion | $57 billion | 2% of GDP |