Florida TaxWatch Explores Social Determinants of Health in Second of Five-Part Series, Focuses on Education Access and Quality

Tallahassee, Fla. - Today, Florida TaxWatch released Social Determinants of Health: Education Access and Quality, the second commentary in a five-part series that will explore what the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services refers to as social determinants of health, or environmental conditions, such as age and economic background, that impact the health of individuals. In this commentary, the taxpayer research institute focuses on the correlation between education access and quality and health and well-being.

Florida TaxWatch President and CEO Dominic M. Calabro said, "The major takeaway from this commentary is that education and health are intrinsically and positively linked, with investments in education equating to investments in health, and producing broad economic returns. Early and impactful investments in education have the potential to positively influence the educational trajectories of students, particularly students from low-income families."

People with higher levels of education are more likely to live longer. A meta-analysis of more than 600 studies spanning more than 50 countries suggests that, on average, an adult with 12 years of education has a 24.5 percent lower risk of mortality compared to an adult with no schooling. Each year of schooling lowers the risk of mortality by 1.9 percent.

People with higher levels of education are more likely to be healthy throughout their lives. Nearly all health outcomes have been found to be strongly patterned by education. Less-educated adults generally report worse overall health, more chronic conditions, more functional limitations, and more disability when compared to individuals with higher levels of education. Less-educated adults are more likely to smoke, less likely to exercise, and more likely to have an unhealthy diet.

People with lower socioeconomic status are at greater risk of health issues. Studies suggest that Americans at all income levels are less healthy than those with incomes higher than their own. Low-income adults are more likely than affluent adults to report being in fair or poor health, and to report having activity limitations due to chronic illness.

Education can help to control the costs of health care and generate broader economic returns. Nationwide, about 80 percent of Medicaid spending is for persons with chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes, which occur at higher rates among populations with lower levels of education. A 2011 study found that, if the health status of less educated persons was the same as their college-educated peers, the related improvements in health would save more than $1 trillion.

Access to quality education in their early years leads to better health as adults. Research shows that children from low-income families who participate in high-quality early learning programs show benefits that extend well into adulthood. These benefits include higher levels of educational achievement and earnings, as well as health improvements (e.g., reductions in smoking, lower risk of heart disease and diabetes, etc.). Public benefits include reduced societal costs (e.g., reduced crime, etc.) and increased tax revenues.

To learn more and access the full commentary, including the first piece of the five-part series, Social Determinants of Health: Health Care Access and Quality, please click here.

About Florida TaxWatch
As an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit government watchdog and taxpayer research institute, and the trusted "eyes and ears" of Florida taxpayers for more than 45 years, Florida TaxWatch (FTW) works to improve the productivity and accountability of Florida government. Its research recommends productivity enhancements and explains the statewide impact of fiscal and economic policies and practices on taxpayers and businesses. FTW is supported by its membership via voluntary, tax-deductible donations and private grants. Donations provide a solid, lasting foundation that has enabled FTW to bring about a more effective, responsive government that is more accountable to, and productive for, the taxpayers it has served since 1979. For more information, please visit www.floridataxwatch.org.

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