A recent study has unveiled alarming disparities in health insurance coverage and claim denials, disproportionately affecting Black Americans and other minority communities. The findings reveal a complex web of systemic issues that continue to perpetuate health inequities across the United States.
Black Americans face significant hurdles in obtaining comprehensive health insurance. In 2022, only 56% of Black individuals had private health insurance, compared to 75% of whites. This disparity is partly attributed to the overrepresentation of Black workers in jobs that don’t offer robust coverage options.
Even when insured, Black patients encounter higher rates of claim denials. A study of 1.5 million patients between 2017 and 2020 found that individuals from racial and ethnic minority groups were more likely to have insurance claims rejected for free preventative tests. The denial rate for Black patients was approximately 50% higher than for white patients.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has made strides in reducing the uninsured rate among Black Americans, cutting it in half within 12 years. However, challenges persist. Many Black individuals are more likely to have high-deductible health plans or limited coverage options, increasing out-of-pocket expenses and the likelihood of claim denials.
Particularly concerning is the denial of claims for services that should be free under the ACA. Screenings for diabetes, depression, and cholesterol, as well as contraceptive prescriptions, were among the most frequently denied claims.
The Healthcare Equality Network has called on the Department of Health and Human Services to investigate these unjustified claim denials, citing the financial and emotional distress they cause in vulnerable communities.
As the healthcare industry grapples with these issues, some states are taking action. New York, for instance, will soon require health insurance plans to collect demographic information, potentially leading to more targeted and equitable healthcare services.
See “Critical Condition: Health Disparities Include Health Insurance” (December 18, 2024)
