I think the argument in the documentary "Unnatural Causes" made a lot of sense. To me the amount of money you have increases the likelihood that you have better health, healthcare, and more access to health lifestyle choices which are often more expensive.
McDonalds, or any fast food chain like it, is a great example. They make dollar menus that are easily accessible to lower income neighborhoods, but are unhealthy. In contrast nicer neighbor hoods have grocery stores like Earth Fare which are more expensive and sell organic healthy food.
So you already have food choice differences between the lower and upper neighborhoods, but then you have to take into account that it is more likely for wealthier families to have and be able to afford healthcare! Which they will most likely not have to use as much because they already eat better and have access to better doctors.
It causes a vicious cycle; knowing you can't afford to eat or feed your family healthy food creates stress. On top of that stress is created by knowing that if you get sick you may not be able to pay for it. Just the stress those two factors alone cause can create health problems which sends you back to the beginning of the cycle of needing better food and better healthcare, etc. etc.. only you are stuck at that point and so your health worsens and you die before someone else your age who is wealthier.
It is a serious problem, and is why America need a healthcare system that is easily and fairly available to everyone.
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