Texas has some of the most significant racial and ethnic health disparities in the Southwest, according to a recent report from the Commonwealth Fund. Black and Hispanic Texans face higher rates of being uninsured, dying from preventable causes, and struggling to access healthcare services. Sara Collins, a senior scholar at the Commonwealth Fund, believes that the lack of health insurance is a major contributing factor to these disparities. She emphasizes that ensuring everyone has access to health insurance is crucial in addressing various health issues seen across the country.
Collins notes that states which have expanded Medicaid coverage to low-income adults tend to have better health outcomes and narrower disparities compared to states that have not expanded Medicaid. Unfortunately, Texas is one of the 10 states that have not yet expanded Medicaid. Collins points out that a major barrier to accessing healthcare is the cost, and once individuals have the financial means to access the healthcare system, this barrier diminishes.
Racism and discrimination in the healthcare system also contribute significantly to these 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, all of which can lead to preventable premature death. Collins emphasizes that systemic issues rooted in racism and unequal access to quality care need to be addressed to improve health outcomes and reduce preventable mortality rates.
The report recommends lawmakers and policymakers take steps
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