Exploring the Link Between Payment Inequities and Healthcare Disparities in the United States

Health disparities are a pressing issue in the United States, particularly along racial and ethnic lines. Several studies have highlighted various factors contributing to these disparities, including differences in access to healthcare and social determinants such as housing, safety, and food security. However, the role of how healthcare services are financed and the structural payment inequities within the healthcare system have not been thoroughly explored.

This report aims to fill this gap by examining how payment variation among healthcare providers contributes to disparities in healthcare. Specifically, the report investigates whether providers who primarily serve historically marginalized populations, including Black, Hispanic, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander individuals, receive lower payments for the same services compared to those who serve predominantly White populations. The report also explores whether these payment discrepancies are solely driven by the payer mix or if differences exist within payer types.

For further insights and to read the full report, download the document.