Housing conditions and the ability to manage health needs In the preceding sections, we examined how housing hardship relates to several measures of healthcare access. We now turn to housing-related healthcare barriers: challenges that directly affect a person’s ability to manage their health needs because of their living conditions. In 2023-2024 only (waning period), the Poverty Tracker asked respondents in the full sample whether they have experienced any of the problems listed in the text box below. Accordingly, we restrict this analysis to the waning period. Together, these questions capture multiple ways in which housing conditions can shape healthcare management.
Housing-Related Healthcare Barriers Medication storage
Difficulty storing or refrigerating prescription medications or other medical supplies Not having a regular place or phone where you can be contacted by a doc- tor or medical professional Not having a clean and comfortable place where you can recover and treat health problems Unsafe living conditions such as mold, lead exposure, inadequate heat, or missing railings
Irregular place of contact
Space for recovery
Unsafe conditions
Other
Other healthcare issues related to housing situation
Housing-related healthcare barriers are far more common among those facing housing hardship (Figure 9). Among high-need New Yorkers with stable housing, 9% reported at least one barrier to managing their health. This share was nearly twice as high (16%) among those experiencing some hardship, and nearly three times as high (24%) among those with persistent hardship. Individuals facing housing hardship experienced housing-related healthcare barriers at more than twice the level of those with stable housing over 2023-2024. Figure 9 Figure 9: Individuals facing housing hardship experienced housing-related healthcare barriers at more than twice the level of those with stable housing over 2023-2024.
Stable Housing Some Housing Hardship Persistent Housing Hardship
20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
24%
16%
9%
10% 0%
Stable Housing
Some Housing Hardship Persistent Housing Hardship
HOW HOUSING IS LINKED TO HEALTHCARE ACCESS AMONG NEW YORKERS SINCE THE PANDEMIC 15 Poverty Tracker longitudinal survey data, cohorts four and five. High-need refers to New Yorkers with high healthcare needs, such as multiple chronic health conditions, serious psychological distress, or a work-limiting health condition. Source: Poverty Tracker longitudinal survey data, cohorts four and five. High-need refers to New Yorkers with high healthcare needs, such as multiple chronic health conditions, serious psychological distress, or a work-limiting health condition. Source:
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker