Access to and equality in health care has deteriorated in the 1980s, as shown by the data on racial differences in reducing infant mortality rates, in life expectancy, and in the incidence and economic burden of AIDS. Various health status measures indicate significant declines with decreasing income, and the use of medical care services is higher for low-income groups. The growing number of uninsured and underinsured persons has exacerbated the problem. A consensus is emerging among diverse groups that health care should be extended to those who do not have access to it and that providing universal and affordable health care is a major national health priority.
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