What can be a long-term effect of health disparities on populations?

Health disparities often lead to increased healthcare costs over the long term. When certain populations face barriers to accessing healthcare, including those related to socioeconomic status, geography, or discrimination, they tend to experience higher rates of chronic diseases and other health issues. As these untreated or poorly managed health conditions worsen, they result in increased utilization of healthcare services, such as emergency care and hospitalizations, which are typically more expensive.

Moreover, disparities can perpetuate cycles of poverty and illness. Populations adversely affected by these disparities may need to spend more out-of-pocket for care or experience lost productivity due to health issues, further straining both individual and community resources. Investment in preventive care and addressing the root causes of health disparities could lead to lower overall costs in the healthcare system and improve health outcomes over time.

In contrast, improved health outcomes for all and universal health coverage are goals many aim to achieve, but they are not direct long-term effects of existing health disparities. Likewise, while addressing health disparities could potentially lead to better mental health among minority groups, the immediate and observable long-term effect tends to be increased costs due to the systemic inequities faced.