No, that’s my entire point. When we’re talking about covering basic needs you can’t add “compared to” at the end. They’re either covered or they aren’t.

What basic needs aren't covered for Americans?

Our poorest people are also our fattest, so it isn't food.

Less than .2% of our population is homeless, so it isn't shelter. And there are state and privately run shelters for those .2%.

Health care is state-provided and free if you have too low of an income, so it isn't health care.

So...what is it exactly?