Disparities in healthcare access and outcomes are a pressing issue in the United States, particularly among historically marginalized populations. While factors such as housing, safety, and food security play a role, the financing of healthcare services has not been thoroughly explored. This report aims to fill this gap by examining how payment variation among healthcare providers contributes to disparities in care.
The study focuses on whether providers who primarily serve historically marginalized populations receive lower payments for the same services compared to those who serve predominantly White populations. The report also investigates whether these payment discrepancies are solely driven by payer mix or if differences exist within payer types.
The findings reveal that payment disparities do exist and are driven by both payer mix and provider-specific factors. Providers who primarily serve historically marginalized populations often receive lower payments due to differences in payer mix, as these populations are often covered by lower-paying public payers like Medicaid. However, even within payer types, disparities exist, with providers serving historically marginalized populations receiving lower payments for similar services compared to those serving predominantly White populations.
Overall, this report sheds light on the complex interplay between financing and disparities in healthcare access and outcomes. It highlights the need for policy changes that address both payer mix and provider-specific factors to ensure equitable funding and improve health outcomes for all populations.
