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The US has one of the highest healthcare costs in the world. According to the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, US healthcare spending in 2022 cost $4.5 trillion or approximately $13,500 per person. In contrast, similar wealthy countries only spend half as much.
Cost — and healthcare inequities — make accessing healthcare in the US very challenging for certain racial and ethnic groups. While the above statistics are grim, minority communities can still get the healthcare they need without the high costs. Let’s discuss such resources below.
Understanding Healthcare Inequities
Before we proceed with the list of healthcare resources, let’s first discuss the very thing that affects minority health: healthcare inequities.
While all people have the right to reach their full health potential, the fact of the matter is many healthcare inequities exist. These refer to the gaps in healthcare that mirror differences in race/ethnicity, education level, and socioeconomic status. These often stem from factors such as healthcare accessibility, occupational disease risk, and genetic disease risk, to name a few.
Health inequities often affect the following racial and ethnic minority groups:
- African-Americans/Black
- Hispanic/Latino
- Asian Americans
- Native Hawaiians
- Pacific Islanders
- American Indians
- Alaska Natives
As such, these individuals often experience higher rates of disease, early death, and healthcare costs, as well as a lower quality of life.
For example, a report has shown that Blacks, Hispanics, and some Asians have lower levels of healthcare insurance coverage, while Mexicans, Central Americans, Koreans, and Vietnamese have higher uninsured rates.
Lack of health insurance (or a low tier of coverage, for that matter) negatively affects the health of minorities, who are already at risk due to healthcare inequalities. They are less likely to receive preventive health services for chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Likewise, uninsured minority children are less likely to receive well-child care, immunizations, dental care, and other crucial services.
Federally Funded and National Programs
Fortunately, underinsured or uninsured minority communities may get the healthcare assistance they need through the following federal or national organization programs:
Medicaid & CHIP
Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program provide free or low-cost health coverage to qualifying low-income people, families, children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with disabilities.
Federally Qualified Health Centers
FQHCs are federally-funded nonprofit clinics or health centers that serve underserved populations and areas. Fees are billed according to the individual’s ability to pay. Click here to find a FQHC in your state.
PAN Foundation
The PAN Foundation is a healthcare advocacy organization that helps individuals, including minorities, get access to treatment.
Through its Find a Disease Fund program, minorities can apply for financial assistance for their disease or prescription medications. It also offers grants for co-pays and health insurance premiums that cover a 12-month period.
Healthwell Foundation
The Healthwell Foundation provides financial assistance for co-pays, health insurance premiums and deductibles, behavioral health services, and travel costs for medical care. It is open to underinsured individuals who are receiving eligible treatment for one of the foundation’s covered diseases in the US.
National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics
The NAFC aims to build healthy communities through accessible, equitable, and quality healthcare by helping minorities and other individuals gain access to free or low-cost healthcare in their respective locations. The website lists free or charitable clinics/pharmacies and FQHCs, to name a few.
Healthcare.gov
Healthcare.gov is a website where minorities can find and enroll in affordable health coverage. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, most preventive services are available at no cost, while insurers can no longer charge or refuse coverage based on preexisting conditions.
REACH
Funded by the Centers for Disease Control, Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) aims to reduce health gaps and improve overall health among racial groups with the highest disease burdens.
REACH funds 50 organizations, which work to implement the following strategies:
- Fruit and vegetable vouchers/produce prescription programs
- Accessible and safe physical activity
- Healthy weight programs
- Vaccinations
- Education
- Tobacco prevention/control
- Breastfeeding support
Office for Minority Health Resource Center
The OMH Resource Center offers minorities access to health literature, research, referrals, community organizations, and healthcare providers.
Local and Community-Based Healthcare Resources
Apart from the federal or national programs, there are also local and community-based resources that can help address some healthcare needs in minorities:
Community Health Centers
CHCs are local clinics where minorities can get medical, dental, and mental health services, among many others.
Here, one can receive:
- Primary care
- Referrals to specialists
- Prenatal care
- Children’s shots
Some CHCs also have on-site pharmacies where discounted medications may be obtained. Transportation may also be offered to those who cannot drive/commute to the clinic.
Care is often rendered in multiple languages, making them ideal for those who cannot converse outside their native language. Translation services are also available.
Payment usually depends on the patient’s income. To locate a community health center near you, click here.
County/State Health Departments
County or state health departments often offer healthcare services, such as immunizations, preventive services, screenings for STDs, Tuberculosis, etc. They may also offer health screening services to minority refugees.
These departments accept Medicaid and insurance, while some services may be free (such as PrEP) or billed on a sliding fee scale.
County/State Hospitals
County/state hospitals are funded and operated by the county/state government. Uninsured minority residents may get financial assistance at such hospitals based on their citizenship/residency, gross income, family size, etc.
Specialized Support for Mental Health
Minority communities often have poor mental outcomes due to the inaccessibility of mental health services, the stigma surrounding mental health care, and discrimination. With these mental health support websites, minorities may find the help they need:
Mental Health America
MHA helps promote wellness, mental health, and disease prevention by providing access to treatment facilities and other helpful resources.
Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation
BLHF was created to serve BIPOC and underrepresented individuals who are in need of mental health support systems.
National Alliance for Hispanic Health
NAHH is a non-profit organization that aims to improve the physical and mental health of Hispanic individuals.
Asian Mental Health Collective
AMHC aims to make mental health services available and accessible to Asian communities across the globe through its extensive therapist directory, therapy funds, and support groups.
We R Native
We R Native is a comprehensive health resource for Native youth. Its programs aim to help build resilience amidst various mental health challenges.
Relief
Relief is a non-profit organization that offers in-person or remote mental health support to the international Jewish community.
Maristan
Maristan offers culturally and religiously tailored mental health services for Muslim people and beyond.
Navigating Healthcare Without Insurance
Minorities who can’t afford health plans or are not qualified for Medicaid/CHIP can get free or low-cost healthcare at FQHCs, community health centers, or county/state health departments.
Should you require hospitalization, you may get free or low-cost care at the following:
- Safety net hospitals
- State/county hospitals
- Hospitals that accept federal money
Make sure to contact the hospital’s financial aid department to determine if you qualify for financial assistance.
Advocacy and Patient Rights
Because of systemic healthcare disparities and general distrust of the healthcare system due to discrimination, minorities need the assistance of patient advocates. They can help them navigate the healthcare system by:
- Helping the patient understand treatment options
- Ensuring the patient’s needs are addressed
- Communicating with their healthcare providers
- Managing insurance issues
The aptly named Patient Advocate Foundation can help eliminate obstacles to quality healthcare access by providing case management assistance to minority patients. They also offer co-pay relief and financial aid, to name a few.
Resources for Specific Groups
There’s comfort in familiarity. If you prefer to seek help (or just gain support) from somebody within your community, here are some specific groups that can give you the assistance you need:
The Center for Black Health & Equity
CBHE is a national public health entity that aims to solve issues affecting the health of African Americans. It offers funding, technical support, capacity building, and community mobilization training.
Hispanic Health
Hispanic Health offers access to accurate and reliable health resources in both Spanish and English.
Asian Health Coalition
AHC is committed to improving the health of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and other underserved groups through technical assistance, education, advocacy, and research.
Indian Health Service
The IHS is a federal program for American Indians and Alaska Natives. The comprehensive health service delivery system caters to members of 567 federally recognized tribes. Services include outpatient care, inpatient care, immunizations, and behavioral healthcare, to name a few.
Technology and Digital Tools
Technology and digital tools can help reduce the health disparities that many minorities face. Here are some examples:
- Telehealth. Online consultations can connect minority patients, who have issues accessing healthcare, to the necessary providers. Telehealth is also more cost-effective for the uninsured/underinsured.
- Mobile health apps. Health programs can remind patients to take their medications, blood sugar, blood pressure, etc.
- Wearable devices. Blood pressure monitors and continuous glucose monitors can help minority patients (and their healthcare providers) check their measurements and ranges.
Actionable Steps for Getting Started
For minorities, researching free or low-cost healthcare services is the first thing that needs to be done. Fortunately, this article cuts down on this step as it lists all the necessary resources, such as federal/national programs, local/community programs, mental health support, etc.
The next step is to inquire with the said entities to determine if you qualify for their services. If you do, make sure to submit the requirements promptly, as slots/funding are usually limited.
Once you’re eligible, get the necessary services you need — be it primary care, immunizations, medications, etc. Don’t delay your healthcare services any further as they can lead to more hospitalizations, and subsequently, higher medical costs.
Conclusion
Minority communities face a lot of healthcare disparities, putting them at a higher risk of disease while having a lower quality of life. While access to the necessary healthcare services is often impeded by the high cost of health insurance, minority communities may get the free or low-cost healthcare services they require through federal/national programs or local/community-based resources mentioned above. Mental health support and specialized support, as well as digital tools, are also available to interested individuals.