When As inflation raises cost of living, community health centers play a vital role in keeping care accessible and affordable do not add up DOLLARS
From June 2021 to June 2022, the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers increased 9.1 percent, the highest 12-month increase since 1981. With food costs increasing by 10.4 percent, energy costs increasing by 41.6 percent and other costs also increasing, many people in the United States continue to face financial hardship. 1 Within the state of Nebraska, the average household spent $481 more a month in July 2022 to buy the same goods and services as they did in July 2021. 2 The U.S. Census Bureau reported the median household income in Douglas County, Nebraska, in 2021 dollars, is $70,683. 3 This
places many Douglas county families in a deficit based on the Economic Policy Institute’s Family Budget Calculator that states a family of four needs $90,008 annually to attain a modest yet adequate standard of living. 4 Combining this deficit with the rapid inflation increase, families were left with no choice but to make cuts to their budgets. One of the affected areas was delays in medical treatment. A recent Gallup survey reported that 38% of Americans reported they or a family member postponed medical treatment in 2022 due to cost, a 12 percent increase from 2021. Families with an annual household income under $40,000 were nearly twice as likely as those with an income of $100,000 or more to report someone in their family delayed medical care for a serious condition. 5 Nearly 57 percent of OneWorld patients who reported their income in 2022 belong in the 0-100% U.S. Federal Poverty Guidelines slide that provides a maximum monthly gross income of $2,500 for a family of four. Based on the Economic Policy Institute’s Family Budget Calculator for Douglas County, this places these families at -$4,994 each month, or -$59,928 each year, and only covers housing and food costs before going into negatives. With costs continuing to rise and families making difficult budget decisions when dollars do not add up, community health centers continue to play a vital role in providing access to affordable, quality care for all populations. At OneWorld, we believe no one should have to choose between medication or food, newborn check-ups or rent. We are committed to overcoming barriers to access such as cost and empowering the people we serve with information, resources and support.
MONTHLY COSTS 2 adults and 2 children Douglas County, NE
HOUSING FOOD CHILD CARE TRANSPORTATION HEALTH CARE OTHER NECESSITIES
$992.00 $757.00 $1,755.00 $1,108.00 $1,392.00 $634.00
TAXES
$864.00
MONTHLY TOTAL
$7,501.00
ANNUAL TOTAL
$90,008.00
24 ANNUAL REPORT 2022
The above estimations are from the Economic Policy Institute’s Family Budget Calculator.
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