Final answer:
Long-term health consequences for low-income individuals without access to health care are primarily due to undetected health issues worsening over time. These issues are compounded by factors like economic externalities, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and food insecurity, leading to persistent health inequalities. So the correct option is C.
Step-by-step explanation:
Individuals working in low-income professions who do not have consistent access to health care often face long-term health consequences. Undetected health issues can worsen significantly over time without regular health screenings and preventive care, leading to more complex and costly treatment needs later on. Access to health care facilitates early detection and management of health issues, which is essential for maintaining good health and avoiding the escalation of potential problems. Those with limited access to health care may also face economic externalities, such as higher overall costs for care when they are forced to use emergency services rather than preventive care.
Furthermore, those living in poverty or in low-income situations might experience compounded challenges, such as inadequate healthcare, limited education, and lack of access to nutritious foods, which further exacerbate health disparities. The geography of care influences these outcomes as well, with impoverished areas often lacking adequate healthcare facilities and resources, leading to higher incidences of both maternal and infant mortality, alongside a range of other negative health outcomes. In such a context, even when access to healthcare improves, the repercussions of previous unavailability of services might not be easily or quickly resolved.