By Reducing the Income of Poorer Americans, Tax Bill May Worsen Health Outcomes

The Commonwealth Fund’s Shanoor Seervai and David Blumenthal, M.D., note that the tax reform proposals now being considered by Congress are not only about taxes, but about health as well. They could lower the incomes of the poorest Americans, worsening disparities in life expectancy and health. Moreover, the tax cuts would increase the deficit, triggering cuts in public programs that keep millions of people healthy.