Problem: Rewrite to grab reader's interest For instance, nearly half of U.S. adults report difficulty affording medical expenses, with uninsured individuals facing the most severe financial hardships in managing healthcare costs (Lopes et al., 2024). Even among insured adults, the burden of out-of-pocket expenses contributes to a cycle of healthcare debt, disproportionately affecting low-income populations (KFF, 2024). Financial strain, coupled with limited access to preventive and primary care, exacerbates the risks of chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. In fact, lower-income areas often lack the resources to offer adequate healthcare, which leads to higher rates of lifestyle-related illnesses and a reduced life expectancy for their residents (KFF, 2024). As Thomas (2022) argues, the wealthier demographic benefits from reduced death rates, longer life expectancy, and a lower risk of conditions modified by income, such as hypertension and obesity, highlighting the significant health advantages of higher disposable income. Need Assignment Help?