Poverty
The poverty line threshold of $1.90 per day, as set by the World Bank, is controversial. Each nation has its own threshold for absolute poverty line; in the United States, for example, the absolute poverty line was US$15.15 per day in 2010 (US$22,000 per year for a family of four), while in India it was US$1.0 per day and in China the absolute poverty line was US$0.55 per day, each on PPP basis in 2010. These different poverty lines make data comparison between each nation's official reports qualitatively difficult. Some scholars argue that the World Bank method sets the bar too high, others argue it is low. Still others suggest that poverty line misleads as it measures everyone below the poverty line the same, when in reality someone living on $1.20 per day is in a different state of poverty than someone living on $0.20 per day. In other words, the depth and intensity of poverty varies across the world and in any regional populations, and $1.25 per day poverty line and head counts are inadequate measures.
The Hospital Uninsured Patient Discount Act (Illinois)
A person eligible for the discount will receive a 70% discount if the family income is six times the poverty line, 75% for 4.01 to 5 times the poverty line, 80% for 3.01 to 4 times the poverty line, 90% for 2.01 to 3 times the poverty line, and a 100% discount for those who earn double the poverty line or less. The poverty line is based on family size, income, and some assets.Many problems with this bill have been noted. One of the most common critiques is that the bill requires a person to prove that they live in the state of Illinois, which can be difficult for someone who is homeless. Another problem with the bill is that it does not address people who have jobs that require health insurance plans through the company. This is an issue as some people in Illinois complain that if they were not required to get health insurance through their work (which might offer a mediocre plan), they would be able to have more coverage under this act. Some people who have insurance through work may have to pay for their plan and pay more of each medical bill as well. Thus for some, these required health care plans actually cost more than not having one.