The ACA had an equalizing effect, reducing racial and ethnic disparities in coverage. Hispanic people had the highest initial uninsured rate and experienced the greatest gains. Non-Hispanic whites also saw their uninsurance rates drop by ten percentage points. However, there were still significant differences between groups at any given point during this period.
For example, Hispanics were about twice as likely to be without insurance as non-Hispanic whites throughout 2014–2016. In addition to being more likely than other groups to lack insurance coverage, Hispanics are less likely than others to have a usual source of care or use preventive services such as mammograms or flu shots.
This is partly because they face language barriers that can make it difficult for them to communicate with providers or access culturally appropriate care. Even so, Hispanic adults have lower mortality rates from cancer compared with other minority populations.
As we continue to move forward as a society towards equal access and quality healthcare services for all individuals regardless of race or ethnicity, we must understand how these disparities can be addressed through policy initiatives like the ACA so that everyone can benefit equally from advancements being made within our country’s healthcare system today.
This is why it is so important that we continue fighting for healthcare reform. We must ensure that all communities have access to quality care regardless of race or ethnicity. Let’s work together towards improving our nation’s health outcomes by increasing equity across all populations.
The ACA has been a major step forward for many Americans, but it doesn’t address our needs. There are several ways that the law falls short when it comes to addressing racial and ethnic disparities in health care.
Another example is that some people have trouble finding doctors who speak their language or understand their culture. This can make getting good medical care difficult for them, even if they have insurance coverage through Medicaid or private plans purchased on the Marketplace.
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