Racial and ethnic health disparities remain deeply entrenched in the United States, with people of color consistently faring worse than White Americans across most health measures, according to a comprehensive analysis of 64 health indicators.
Hispanic, Black, and American Indian or Alaska Native (AIAN) populations experience significantly higher uninsured rates, with 18% and 19% respectively lacking coverage compared to just 7% of White people under age 65. These coverage gaps translate directly into reduced access to care, as Hispanic and AIAN adults are more than twice as likely as White adults to lack a personal healthcare provider.
The consequences prove severe. Black and AIAN people have markedly shorter life expectancies—74.0 and 70.1 years respectively—compared to 78.4 years for White people. Infant mortality rates tell an even grimmer story, with Black infants dying at more than twice the rate of White infants. Black women face pregnancy-related mortality rates over three times higher than White women.
Mental health disparities are equally troubling. Among adults with mental illness, only 44% of Hispanic, 39% of Black, and 33% of Asian adults receive treatment, compared to 58% of White adults.
Social determinants amplify these health gaps. Hispanic, AIAN, and Black households experience food insecurity at roughly twice the rate of White households. Black and AIAN people are more than twice as likely to live in poverty.
Asian populations show mixed outcomes, generally faring better overall but facing barriers including higher rates of limited English proficiency and lower rates of some preventive services.
See: “Introduction – Key Data on Health and Health Care by Race and Ethnicity | KFF” (December 16, 2025)