Health disparities in Texas are costing the state $7 billion per year in economic losses, according to a new study sponsored by several health foundations. The research found that inadequately addressing quality-of-life issues and healthcare needs of lower-income residents is having a major financial impact on Texas.
“Everything from increasing access to affordable health insurance to investing in under-resourced neighborhoods to give them more options, whether that’s exercise options or food options,” said Brian Sasser, chief communications officer for the Episcopal Health Foundation.
The report breaks down economic costs by county, with Bexar, Dallas, Harris, Tarrant and Travis counties losing the most money annually due to health disparities. Racial inequities are a key factor, with Black and Hispanic children more likely to grow up in high-poverty neighborhoods with higher rates of diabetes and obesity.
“What can we do to work to make sure that the rate of diabetes isn’t dramatically different between white households and Black households?” Sasser asked.
The Texas Legislature recently passed laws to address some disparities, including extending Medicaid coverage for new mothers to 12 months postpartum. Experts say solutions should include expanding health insurance access, investing in disadvantaged communities, and enacting policy changes to reduce gaps in health outcomes between racial and socioeconomic groups.
The study was conducted by the Episcopal Health Foundation, Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, and St. David’s Foundation to quantify the economic toll of health inequities in Texas.
See “New study shows health disparities cost TX billions of dollars” (April 18, 2024)