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Healthcare system and the wealth–health gradient: A comparative study of older populations in six countries

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  • Maskileyson, Dina

Abstract

The present study provides a comparative analysis of the association between wealth and health in six healthcare systems (Sweden, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Czech Republic, Israel, the United States). National samples of individuals fifty years and over reveal considerable cross-country variations in health outcomes. In all six countries wealth and health are positively associated. The findings also show that state-based healthcare systems produce better population health outcomes than private-based healthcare systems. The results indicate that in five out of the six countries studied, the wealth–health gradients were remarkably similar, despite significant variations in healthcare system type. Only in the United States was the association between wealth and health substantially different from, and much greater than that in the other five countries. The findings suggest that private-based healthcare system in the U.S. is likely to promote stronger positive associations between wealth and health.

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  • Maskileyson, Dina, 2014. "Healthcare system and the wealth–health gradient: A comparative study of older populations in six countries," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 119(C), pages 18-26.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:119:y:2014:i:c:p:18-26
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2014.08.013
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    5. Carmichael, Donna, 2023. "Wealth accumulation and de‐risking strategies among high-wealth Individuals," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 118177, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
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    7. Donna Carmichael, 2023. "Wealth Accumulation and De‐Risking Strategies Among High‐Wealth Individuals," Social Inclusion, Cogitatio Press, vol. 11(1), pages 200-209.

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