What is considered the biggest obstacle to receiving health care?

Income is a significant barrier to accessing health care, as it influences an individual's ability to afford medical services, insurance premiums, and out-of-pocket expenses such as deductibles and co-pays. People with limited financial resources may forego necessary medical care or prescription medications, leading to poorer health outcomes.

The cost of health care continues to rise, which disproportionately affects low-income individuals and families, making it difficult for them to receive timely and adequate care. Without sufficient income, individuals might avoid seeking treatment altogether due to concerns about the cost, potentially causing them to delay necessary interventions until their health deteriorates further.

Additionally, income can also impact other social determinants of health, such as access to transportation and the ability to take time off work to visit health care providers. This interconnectedness highlights why income is often viewed as a primary obstacle in the context of health care access.