As a doctor, I diagnose and treat illness using the best information available. A major sickness plaguing our health system is the disparity in both health coverage and outcomes between whites and people of color.
The data is overwhelming: Compared to white Americans, black Americans are much more likely to be uninsured or under-insured; have significantly lower life expectancies; and are more likely to die from treatable illnesses like diabetes, heart disease and most forms of cancer. Black mothers are 320% more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications.
Most of these deaths are preventable.
Health care disparities also result in economic disparities that can ripple through families and communities. Due to the fact that people of color are much more likely to be uninsured and under-insured, even minor health issues can lead to significant medical debt or bankruptcy.
The good news is that we have evidence for what works in closing racial health gaps: comprehensive, universal coverage without financial barriers like deductibles and co-pays.
For example, black men in the veterans health system are 37% less likely than white men to develop heart disease, and have a 24% lower death rate.
And once Americans enroll in Medicare, racial health disparities begin to shrink or even disappear.
How can we replicate the success of the VA and Medicare? As a physician, I prescribe single-payer Medicare for All – the only policy that will provide equal, lifelong coverage to everybody in America.
Joan MacEachenDurango
