A recent report from the Commonwealth Fund reveals 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 struggling to access health care services. Sara Collins, a senior scholar at the Commonwealth Fund, attributes these disparities to the lack of health insurance. 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 among the 10 states that have not yet expanded Medicaid. Collins points out that a major barrier to accessing health care is the cost, and once individuals have the financial means to access the health care system, this barrier diminishes.
Racism and discrimination in the health care system also contribute to the 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 that lawmakers and policymakers take steps to address these disparities by improving access to health insurance, diversifying the health care workforce, and investing in social services that support individuals in managing their health over time. Elena Rivera, the health reporter for KERA, encourages individuals to share tips by emailing her at erivera@kera.org. KERA News relies on the support of its members to continue delivering valuable reporting, and individuals can consider making a tax-deductible donation to support their work.