Which bases can lead to discrimination under Section 1557?

Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of several specific characteristics in health care settings. The correct answer relates to characteristics that have historically been recognized as protected categories under civil rights laws, which include race and gender. These bases are recognized as significant factors that can lead to discriminatory practices within healthcare and other areas.

Race and gender have been the focus of numerous civil rights protections, recognizing the need for safeguarding individuals from inequitable treatment based on their inherent traits. Discrimination on these grounds can manifest in various forms, such as unequal treatment, harassment, or denial of services, which underscores the critical nature of these protections.

The other options, while relevant considerations in various contexts, do not align with the specific protections established under Section 1557. Height and weight are generally not classified as protected categories under this section. Similarly, while occupation and income may affect access to services, they do not fall under the designated bases of discrimination outlined in Section 1557. Lastly, religion and political views may lead to discrimination, but they are not specifically covered by this particular statute, which is more focused on the defined categories like race and gender.