For generations, Americans have sought to provide their children with the educational opportunities necessary to succeed in a competitive job market. This has led to an increased focus on attaining educational excellence, with the emphasis on graduating with a degree and fostering the skills necessary for achieving success.

At the same time, the American healthcare system has become increasingly complex, with varying levels of access depending on insurance availability, financial means, and geographic location. While access to healthcare services has generally improved over the years, a large segment of the population continues to struggle in accessing the healthcare they need.

These two seemingly unrelated issues are inextricably linked. In this article, we will explore why health and education are so interconnected; how access to healthcare in America impacts educational attainment; and potential solutions for improving both health and educational outcomes for all Americans.

Health Impacts Education and Vice Versa

Simply put, one’s health directly impacts one’s educational success. Poor health leads to fatigue, an inability to concentrate, and a lack of motivation. This can mean missing school, thus falling behind in class, and eventually dropping out or not graduating. Moreover, health issues can even limit a student’s ability to participate in extracurricular activities.

Similarly, a child’s education can impact his or her health. Studies have found a correlation between educational level achieved and access to health services. Educational attainment has been postulated to increase the likelihood that a person will have access to healthcare. Studies have also found that children from more educated households are likely to receive more health services than children coming from less educated households. Thus, there is a direct link between educational attainment and healthcare access.

The Impact of Access to Healthcare in America

In the United States, access to healthcare is determined mainly by income, insurance, and geography. Nearly 25 percent of the population is uninsured and, without insurance, it can be difficult to access needed medical services or preventive care, as well as expensive medications or therapies.

This lack of access to healthcare is especially concerning when it comes to education, as children living in poverty are more likely to suffer from chronic illnesses which can impair educational success. Moreover, a lack of access to preventive or primary care can lead to higher levels of illness or malfunctioning medical conditions, resulting in missed days of school or an inability to stay alert during class.

Potential Solutions

American policymakers have focused on finding ways to address health and education disparities. Programs such as the Medicaid Expansion and the Affordable Care Act have been implemented to improve access to healthcare for those living in poverty. To ensure that the program is successful, it is important to provide education-focused healthcare as well, such as providing free mental health services, literacy classes, and preventive care.

In addition, educational initiatives have also been pushed forward to help improve educational outcomes. Increasing the availability of financial aid, expanding access to free community college classes, and providing support for low-income school districts have all been helpful in reducing educational disparities and providing the foundation for educational achievement.

Conclusion

Health and education are interrelated, with one impacting the other. Without access to quality healthcare services, it can be difficult for children to stay healthy and obtain the educational skills needed to succeed. Fortunately, initiatives such as the Medicaid Expansion and the Affordable Care Act, as well as initiatives focused on improving access to educational opportunities, have managed to reduce disparities in both health and educational attainment. However, as the healthcare system in America continues to evolve, it is essential that policies evolve with it—addressing the most pressing issues of health and education access—so that every American is given the opportunity to learn, grow, and achieve.