Dynamic Contributions of Chronic Diseases to the Widening Educational Gap in Disability and Mortality, 2002–2018: A Research Note

I examine the role of chronic conditions in the widening educational health gap. The prevalence of chronic conditions increases similarly for adults with and without a college degree. Links between chronic diseases, disability, and mortality have evolved differently across educational strata. These differences contribute to the widening educational gaps in disability and mortality. These patterns are not driven primarily by health behaviors or insurance coverage.