Minorities and low-income Americans are less likely to seek care when sick
A new report released by Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius indicates minorities and low-income Americans are more likely to get sick, but are less likely to seek care.
“These disparities have plagued our health system and our country for too long,” Sebelius said. “Now it’s time for Democrats and Republicans to come together to pass reforms this year that help reduce disparities and give all Americans the care they need and deserve.”
The report, “Health Disparities: A Case for Closing the Gap,” highlights some of the differences across the country:
- Forty-eight percent of African American adults suffer from a chronic disease, compared to 39 percent of the general population.
- Eight percent of white Americans develop diabetes, while 15 percent of African Americans, 14 percent of Hispanics and 18 percent of American Indians develop diabetes.
- Hispanics are one-third less likely to be counseled on obesity than are whites – only 44 percent of Hispanics received counseling.
- African Americans are 15 percent more likely to be obese than whites.
The report notes that 40 percent of low-income Americans do not have health insurance. About one-third of the uninsured have a chronic disease, and they are six times less likely to receive care for a health problem than the insured. In contrast, only 6 percent of high-income Americans lack insurance.
Sebelius is scheduled to co-host a discussion on health disparities with Nancy-Ann DeParle, director of the White House Office of Health Reform, and Tina Tchen, director of the White House Office of Public Engagement and executive director of the White House Council on Women and Girls. The discussion is part of the administration’s continuing series of White House Health Care Stakeholder Discussions.
