According to a , Texas has more severe racial and ethnic health disparities than other states in the Southwest.
Black and Hispanic Texans are more likely to be uninsured, die from avoidable causes and not have access to health care than other racial groups.
Sara Collins, , said one reason for the disparities is a lack of health insurance.
鈥淕iving everybody access to health insurance coverage is really the first step in addressing a lot of the issues that we're seeing across the country,鈥� she said.
On average, Collins said states that have expanded Medicaid coverage to low-income adults had better outcomes and narrower disparities than states that haven鈥檛. Texas is one of 10 states that has yet to expand Medicaid.
鈥淐ost is the big barrier to getting health care,鈥� she said. 鈥淪o, once you have that financial ability to access the health care system, that falls away.鈥�
Another reason for the disparities between groups is racism and discrimination in the health care system. Patients of color for issues like heart disease, pregnancy complications, and pain management, all linked to preventable conditions that lead to premature death.
鈥淭here are deep seated issues in the health care system that do stem from racism and unequal access to good quality care,鈥� Collins said. 鈥淚t will take health system responsiveness and prioritization to address those kinds of issues that are that are manifesting in such wide disparities in health outcomes, preventable mortality in particular.鈥�
The report recommends lawmakers and policymakers address these disparities through better access to health insurance, diversifying the health care workforce, and investing in social services that help people manage their health over time.
Elena Rivera is 四虎影院鈥檚 health reporter. Got a tip? Email Elena at erivera@kera.org
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