Helsana-Studie: Arme verursachen höhere Gesundheitskosten

Low-income individuals in Switzerland incur 31% higher annual health costs than high earners, according to a report by Helsana and the University of Basel. People with a monthly household income up to 2,000 francs average 4,764 francs in yearly health costs, while those earning over 8,000 francs average 3,279 francs.

The study finds that lower income levels correlate with a higher prevalence of chronic diseases and more frequent medical visits. This trend persists even when the actual health status of the patients is statistically removed from the equation.

Why does income influence chronic illness rates?

Income levels strongly predict the risk of developing chronic conditions, according to the Helsana and University of Basel report. Depression is roughly three times more common among those in the lowest income bracket compared to the highest.

Chronic pain also appears three times more frequently in the lowest income group. Consequently, these individuals are prescribed strong painkillers, such as opioids, three times more often than high earners.

The data shows other significant gaps in health outcomes. People in the lowest income category face a 74% higher rate of high cholesterol and a 37% higher rate of thyroid disease compared to the highest earners.

Did You Know? People in the lowest income bracket (up to 2,000 francs per month) are prescribed opioids for chronic pain roughly three times more often than those in the highest income bracket.

How does income affect the use of healthcare services?

Lower-income patients utilize the healthcare system more intensely, including more frequent doctor visits and longer hospital stays. A study author told the “Tages-Anzeiger” that this could be due to “money stress” or professions that cause illness.

Despite higher general usage, low-income individuals use preventive services less often. This includes cancer screenings, gynecological visits, and colonoscopies, even in cantons where these services are offered for free.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the disconnect between high acute care usage and low preventive care usage suggests a systemic failure in health literacy. If the goal is to lower overall costs, the focus may need to shift from managing chronic crises to accessible, early intervention.

What changes are being proposed for the health system?

Helsana is calling for strengthened health literacy, specifically for lower-income groups. The insurer is also advocating for an increase in the minimum franchise, which has remained at 300 francs for approximately 20 years.

The Bundesrat plans to raise this minimum franchise by 100 francs. However, the Konsumentenschutz has labeled this increase “unacceptable” and describes the move as a “maneuver of the health lobby.”

Future adjustments to the franchise could lead to further disputes between consumer advocates and insurance providers. Increased costs for the minimum franchise may impact how low-income patients access primary care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference in annual health costs between income groups?
According to the study, those earning up to 2,000 francs monthly cost 4,764 francs per year, while those earning over 8,000 francs cost 3,279 francs.

Which chronic conditions are most affected by income levels?
Depression and chronic pain are roughly three times more common in the lowest income group. High cholesterol is 74% more prevalent and thyroid diseases are 37% more prevalent compared to high earners.

What is the current dispute regarding the health insurance franchise?
The Bundesrat plans to raise the minimum franchise from 300 francs to 400 francs. Helsana supports a higher franchise, while the Konsumentenschutz opposes the move through a petition.

Do you believe increasing the minimum insurance franchise would encourage more preventive care or create more barriers for low-income patients?