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Income and Insurance Gaps Widen Death Risk for Adults with Congenital Heart Disease

New research shows adults with congenital heart disease in low-income states with limited insurance face higher death and disability rates. The study links access to specialized care to survival, highlighting the need for better care distribution and policy changes.

This study matters because it reveals that where you live and your income level can determine whether you survive a common birth defect. For the millions of adults with congenital heart disease, access to specialized cardiac care is not guaranteed by insurance alone. The findings call for policy changes to distribute specialists more evenly, expand telehealth, and ensure that all patients, regardless of geography or income, receive the lifelong care they need. Addressing these disparities could save lives and reduce disability, making it a critical public health issue.