Cost of Living and Health
When reflecting about the Cost of Living Crisis and its implications, it has struck me that conversations around this topic seem to have largely disappeared or accepted as par for the course. With the squeeze felt strongly in terms of price rises in heating, eating, travel and other essential daily costs; one area that I think is important to still keep front and centre, which is not discussed as much as it should be is around the impact on health. From not being able to afford necessary treatments and medications, to struggling with the high costs of energy for operating medical equipment, the implications on health are significant, should not be underestimated or forgotten about. Here at London Plus we wanted to shine a light on this.
Financial Strain
One of the starkest examples of how the cost of living crisis affects health is the difficulty in affording essential medications. The current prescription charge is £9.90 per item. Prescription charges are for each item not each prescription. For example, if your prescription has 3 medicines on it you will have to pay the prescription charge 3 times. For individuals already struggling to make ends meet and who aren’t eligible, purchasing prescriptions can feel like an impossible additional expense.
Also, conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease and diabetes require, in many cases, expensive equipment to manage. The rising cost of energy has placed an additional burden on those who rely on essential equipment which can be expensive to run.
These winter months pose an additional risk for people with chronic health conditions. Cold temperatures can exacerbate conditions like arthritis or asthma, and a lack of heating can lead to dangerous consequences for people with respiratory issues or weakened immune systems.
The cost of living crisis impacts these issues directly. Without addressing the financial strain that people are under, healthy living is challenging, particularly for people on low incomes as so many Londoners are.
Gaps in NHS Data
The NHS measures health outcomes in ways that mean there often isn’t adequate data on this issue. The focus tends to be around figures for the number of GP visits or hospital admissions, measuring positive health outcomes through the reduction of waiting lists and health appointments. These metrics may seem positive on the surface, but they do not explore the everyday struggles people face in maintaining their health.
Issues like being able to afford medications, lacking access to necessary internet services, or simply not having enough money for food and heating are not considered when measuring health outcomes. The NHS needs to take these things into account if they are to get a full picture of health.
The Role of the Voluntary Sector
The voluntary sector has become a crucial source of support for those most affected. These organisations step in to help people maintain their health in ways that the NHS cannot always provide, especially in terms of social and community support.
However, the voluntary sector is increasingly under strain. Many organisations rely on donations and limited resources, making it harder for them to meet the growing demand for services.
Looking beyond economics
The cost of living crisis is more than just an economic issue. People with long-term conditions, the elderly, disabled people, and those living in poverty are facing unprecedented challenges. The financial strain is contributing to deepening health inequalities that have long-lasting consequences.
In 2023, King’s College London published a report about the cost of living crisis and its effects in London. They found that people are experiencing greater food, employment and housing insecurity, and they are also making cutbacks on things that are important for health and wellbeing (e.g. food, heating), all of which has implications for their mental health.
Two years on, we know that the cost of living crisis is still here. And it is still impacting people’s health.
It is time to recognise the direct connection between current financial hardship and health. If the NHS is to protect the health of our population, it’s essential that they begin to address the economic and social challenges as well.
