What a $15 minimum wage could mean for population health

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The minimum wage hasn't been raised since its last adjustment in 2009. Now, as the federal government is drafting a COVID-19 stimulus package, it looks that gradually raising the minimum wage is on the table to be included.

This week, President Joe Biden stated he supported raising the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour.

But what are the health implications for raising the minimum wage? More money could mean an increased ability to purchase health coverage...or unhealthy food. But these aren't binary decisions and the research is still evolving for how increased minimum wages affect our health.

Listen to Health Affairs' Rob Lott and Jeff Byers discuss what's happening with the $15 minimum wage proposal, what it could mean for population health, and what's next.

Related Links:

• Effects Of Minimum Wages On Population Health (Health Affairs)
• Health, Income, & Poverty: Where We Are & What Could Help (Health Affairs)
• CBO Analyzes American Rescue Plan Coverage Expansions (Health Affairs Blog)
• Biden Picks Another Obama Veteran To Oversee Medicare, Medicaid (Washington Post)
• CVS Health Will Return Aetna To Obamacare Market (Forbes)
• Anthem-backed Digital Startup Sharecare Goes Public In $3.9B Blank Check Deal (Healthcare Dive)
• The Perils Of Prolonged Unemployment (Axios)

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