In recent years, Texas has been identified as having more severe racial and ethnic health disparities compared to other states in the Southwest. A report from the Commonwealth Fund highlights that Black and Hispanic Texans face higher rates of being uninsured, dying from preventable causes, and struggling to access health care services. Sara Collins, a senior scholar at the Commonwealth Fund, attributes these disparities to a lack of health insurance.
Collins notes that expanding Medicaid coverage to low-income adults can improve health outcomes and reduce disparities. Unfortunately, Texas is one of ten states that have not yet expanded Medicaid. Collins emphasizes that ensuring everyone has access to health insurance is crucial in addressing various health issues seen across the country.
The cost of healthcare is also a significant barrier for many individuals, especially those with lower income or who belong to specific racial or ethnic groups. Once individuals have the financial means to access healthcare services, this barrier diminishes. However, racism and discrimination in the healthcare system also contribute to disparities experienced by different racial and ethnic groups. Patients of color often receive substandard care for conditions such as heart disease, pregnancy complications, and pain management, which can lead to preventable premature death.
To address these disparities effectively, lawmakers and policymakers need to take action by improving access to health insurance, diversifying the healthcare workforce, and investing in social services that support individuals in managing their health over time. Elena Rivera encourages individuals with tips on improving their own health or sharing their experiences with others’ health disparities by emailing her at erivera@kera.org. KERA News relies on its members’ support to continue delivering valuable reporting on these critical issues affecting our communities today.
In conclusion, Texas needs immediate attention from both state officials and citizens alike when it comes to addressing the severe racial and ethnic health disparities currently plaguing our communities. The solution lies in ensuring everyone has access to quality healthcare services while addressing underlying systemic issues rooted in racism and unequal treatment of patients based on race or ethnicity.
