Addressing Healthcare Disparities In Racial And Ethnic Minor

Addressing Healthcare Disparities in Racial and Ethnic Minorities Thr

Racial and ethnic minority healthcare disparities are a serious social justice issue. Cultural obstacles, socioeconomic issues, implicit bias, and structural racism are the main causes of the discrepancies. The factors lead to poor health outcomes and unequal access to high-quality healthcare. The United States established the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to alleviate the healthcare inequities among racial and ethnic minorities (Adamson et al., 2019). The ACA was enacted as federal legislation to create health insurance markets and increase Medicaid eligibility. It mandates essential health benefits and prohibits insurance companies from refusing coverage due to pre-existing diseases. The overarching goal of the ACA was to reduce racial and ethnic gaps in healthcare access and quality. This paper explores the ACA’s goals, services, programs, historical background, and its effects on addressing healthcare disparities.

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The Affordable Care Act (ACA), enacted in 2010, represents one of the most comprehensive efforts to address healthcare disparities faced by racial and ethnic minorities in the United States. Its multifaceted approach has aimed to expand access, reduce barriers, and promote equitable healthcare delivery. The law’s key objectives were to improve health equity by expanding insurance coverage, prohibiting discrimination, and establishing standards that ensure essential health services are accessible to vulnerable populations. These objectives are rooted in the recognition that longstanding social and systemic issues contribute significantly to persistent disparities.

One of the foundational components of the ACA was Medicaid expansion. Prior to the law’s enactment, many low-income minority populations lacked access to Medicaid, which limited their healthcare options significantly. The ACA broadened Medicaid eligibility to individuals earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level, which substantially increased access for many minorities who traditionally experienced higher rates of uninsurance (Snowden et al., 2022). This expansion proved particularly vital in reducing disparities since minorities represent a disproportionate share of Medicaid-eligible populations. Consequently, Medicaid expansion has been associated with improved health outcomes and increased primary care utilization among minority groups, addressing critical gaps that historically persisted in healthcare access (Baumgartner et al., 2020).

Another major aspect of the ACA was the creation of health insurance marketplaces, designed to facilitate the purchase of insurance plans through transparent comparisons and subsidies for low-income individuals. These marketplaces facilitated access for populations that previously faced barriers due to cost and information asymmetry. The marketplaces provided a platform for minority populations to find plans suited to their health needs at more affordable prices, thereby alleviating financial barriers (Hero et al., 2019). Importantly, the ACA also prohibited insurance companies from denying coverage based on pre-existing conditions, a common obstacle faced by many racial and ethnic minorities suffering from chronic illnesses (Huguet et al., 2019). This provision was critical, given that minority populations tend to have higher prevalence rates of chronic health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, often exacerbated by unequal access to preventive services.

The ACA also mandated the inclusion of essential health benefits in all qualifying insurance plans. These benefits encompass preventive services, mental health care, maternity and pediatric care, and prescription drugs. Such mandates aimed to close gaps in coverage that disproportionately impacted minority populations, who often forgo necessary care due to cost or lack of insurance coverage (Jost & Keith, 2020). The law’s emphasis on preventive care and mental health services aligns with efforts to reduce disparities by addressing social determinants of health and promoting early intervention in vulnerable communities.

Programs linked to the ACA further targeted disparities among racial and ethnic minorities. For example, the law increased federal funding for community health centers, which serve a significant proportion of minority populations, providing comprehensive care regardless of ability to pay. These centers emphasize culturally competent care and are critical access points for underserved communities (Ercia et al., 2021). Moreover, the law supported health literacy initiatives to help minority group members navigate complex healthcare systems and make informed health decisions—an essential step toward health equity.

The ACA’s impact on healthcare disparities is rooted in its efforts to address the systemic roots of inequity. Minority populations have historically faced barriers such as socioeconomic disadvantages, language and cultural differences, and implicit biases in healthcare delivery environments (Baumgartner et al., 2020). The law’s provisions for non-discrimination, expanded access, and coverage of essential services directly challenge these barriers, fostering a more equitable healthcare landscape.

However, the development and implementation of the ACA were shaped by complex historical and political factors. Historically, healthcare disparities have been linked to systemic racism, socioeconomic inequality, and policies that marginalized minorities from accessing quality care. Implicit bias among healthcare professionals further compounded these disparities, often resulting in discriminatory treatment. The ACA was introduced as a response to these entrenched issues, aiming to promote social justice through systemic reform. Its passage, championed by President Barack Obama, faced considerable opposition in Congress and legal challenges, which delayed some of its provisions and implementation (Carrasco-Aguilar et al., 2022; Jost & Keith, 2020).

The political turbulence surrounding the ACA’s passage significantly impacted its initial rollout and subsequent implementation. Some states chose not to expand Medicaid, citing ideological opposition, which left many low-income minorities without coverage. Conversely, states that expanded Medicaid saw notable declines in disparities, with increased insurance coverage and improved health outcomes. These variations highlight the ongoing influence of political context on health equity initiatives (Crowley et al., 2020). Furthermore, legal challenges and policy reversals continue to threaten progress, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and policy refinement to sustain gains in reducing disparities.

Despite challenges, the ACA has demonstrated substantial progress in addressing healthcare disparities among racial and ethnic minorities. Research indicates that coverage gains have narrowed the insurance gap for Black, Hispanic, and Asian American populations (Adamson et al., 2019; Snowden et al., 2022). Increased access to preventive and primary care has led to better management of chronic conditions, reducing emergency visits and hospitalizations that often reflect healthcare inequities. Nonetheless, disparities remain, especially in social determinants of health such as housing, employment, and education, which influence long-term health outcomes.

Moving forward, addressing healthcare disparities among racial and ethnic minorities will require a comprehensive approach extending beyond insurance coverage. Policymakers, healthcare providers, and social workers must work collaboratively to focus on culturally competent care, community engagement, and addressing social determinants of health. The ACA’s foundational reforms provide a robust platform for further efforts, but persistent political opposition and structural inequalities demand ongoing advocacy, research, and policy innovation. Building on ACA’s successes and addressing its limitations will be crucial for advancing health equity and justice.

References

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• Snowden, L. R., Graaf, G., Keyes, L., Kitchens, K., Ryan, A., & Wallace, N. (2022). Did Medicaid expansion close African American-white health care disparities nationwide? A scoping review. BMC Public Health, 22(1).