A recent study reveals significant disparities in the availability of racially concordant physicians within Medicare Advantage (MA) networks, potentially impacting the quality of preventive care for Black and Hispanic beneficiaries. The research, conducted using 2019 data, highlights a concerning trend in the representation of minority physicians in MA plans, which disproportionately enroll Black and Hispanic Medicare beneficiaries.
The study found that on average, 51.1 percent of White physicians in a beneficiary’s county were included in their MA network. In stark contrast, only 43.2 percent of Black physicians and 44.0 percent of Hispanic physicians were included. This disparity in network inclusion raises questions about equitable access to care for minority patients.
More alarmingly, approximately 20 percent of Black and Hispanic beneficiaries had no Black or Hispanic physicians available in their MA network. The problem is even more pronounced at the county level, with 41.3 percent of counties lacking any Black physicians and 47.2 percent without Hispanic physicians in any MA network.
These findings are particularly troubling given the established link between racial concordance in physician-patient relationships and increased use of preventive care among Black and Hispanic patients. The underrepresentation of minority physicians in MA networks could potentially lead to reduced access to culturally competent care and exacerbate existing health disparities.
The researchers emphasize that their study raises significant concerns about the availability of Black and Hispanic physicians in the MA program. As Medicare Advantage continues to grow in popularity, addressing these network disparities becomes crucial for ensuring equitable healthcare access and outcomes for all beneficiaries, regardless of their racial or ethnic background.
See: “Racial And Ethnic Diversity Of Physicians In Medicare Advantage Networks” (January 2025)
