A new report from the Commonwealth Fund indicates that Texas has more severe racial and ethnic health disparities compared to other states in the Southwest. Black and Hispanic Texans face higher rates of being uninsured, dying from preventable causes, and lacking access to healthcare compared to other racial groups.
Sara Collins, the senior scholar of health care coverage and access with the Commonwealth Fund, explained that one of the main reasons for these disparities is the lack of health insurance. She emphasized that providing universal health insurance coverage is essential in addressing the issues observed across the country.
States that have expanded Medicaid coverage to low-income adults have better outcomes and narrower disparities. Unfortunately, Texas is one of the 10 states that have not expanded Medicaid, contributing to the healthcare disparities in the state.
Furthermore, racism and discrimination within the healthcare system also play a significant role in the disparities among different racial and ethnic groups. Patients of color often receive lower quality care for conditions such as heart disease, pregnancy complications, and pain management, leading to preventable deaths.
The report recommends that lawmakers and policymakers address these disparities by improving access to health insurance, diversifying the healthcare workforce, and investing in social services that support long-term health management. Elena Rivera is KERA’s health reporter and can be reached at erivera@kera.org. KERA News depends on the support of its members. If you appreciate this reporting, consider making a tax-deductible donation today.