A recent report from the Commonwealth Fund has highlighted the severe racial and ethnic health disparities in Texas compared to other states in the Southwest. Black and Hispanic Texans face higher risks of being uninsured, experiencing avoidable deaths, and lacking access to healthcare services compared to other racial groups.
Sara Collins, a senior scholar at the Commonwealth Fund, attributes these disparities to a lack of health insurance coverage. She emphasizes that providing universal access to health insurance is essential in addressing many of these issues. Collins notes that states that have expanded Medicaid coverage for low-income adults have seen improved health outcomes and fewer disparities compared to states that have not expanded Medicaid coverage. Texas is among the 10 states that have yet to expand Medicaid coverage.
Collins also highlights cost as a significant barrier to accessing healthcare, and financial means can eliminate this obstacle. Racism and discrimination within the healthcare system also play a significant role in perpetuating disparities among different racial groups. Patients of color often receive inferior care for conditions like heart disease, pregnancy complications, and pain management, leading to preventable deaths. Collins stresses the need for the health system to address issues of racism and unequal access to quality care in order to bridge the gaps in health outcomes and preventable mortality.
The report recommends that lawmakers and policymakers tackle these disparities by improving access to health insurance, promoting diversity in the healthcare workforce, and investing in social services that support long-term health management. Elena Rivera, KERA’s health reporter, can be contacted for tips or inquiries. KERA News relies on the support of its members to continue providing valuable reporting.