Health Disparities Research Paper
Eliminating Health Disparities
Despite major advances in the fields of medicine and healthcare services over the past years, a significant health gap between rich and poor remains. As populations grow, so apparently do health disparities. The poor continue to shoulder a particularly disproportionate social burden in terms of inequitable access to decent healthcare, rising costs and higher rates of morbidity and mortality.
People of color are receiving special attention in medical, social, and political literature due to disparities in health status. In recent years, evidence has shown a relationship between race/ethnicity and health disparities among the U.S. population. If racial and ethnic disparities in health are not addressed, demographic …show more content…
The problem of access reaches beyond the 44 million Americans who lack health insurance-a number that is expected to reach 52 to 54 million over the next 10 years. The growing numbers are of concern because those without coverage tend to delay or forego important preventative and primary care services. Community-based efforts are needed to track health problems and assess unmet needs.
The design of the health care delivery system has created a variety of obstacles to those seeking care. Strategies are needed to address such impediments. Improving the primary care system and access to it by conducting community assessments to determine gaps in services and engaging stakeholders in the process of access improvement. It is also important to focus on equalizing access to care by improving the quality of existing …show more content…
The large share of low-income uninsured Americans under the current combination of federal and state programs suggest that without a system of universal health coverage some population groups will be at a disadvantage. With stronger state involvement in health, there is the potential or gaining public input in the design and management of systems of care that may better suited to local populations and conditions. States need to continue to strengthen their role in organizing systems of health financing and service delivery. Stakeholders should take this opportunity to devise a plan to eliminate health disparities and increase life expectancy for the people. But there should be greater emphasis at the community level to end health
Despite major advances in the fields of medicine and healthcare services over the past years, a significant health gap between rich and poor remains. As populations grow, so apparently do health disparities. The poor continue to shoulder a particularly disproportionate social burden in terms of inequitable access to decent healthcare, rising costs and higher rates of morbidity and mortality.
People of color are receiving special attention in medical, social, and political literature due to disparities in health status. In recent years, evidence has shown a relationship between race/ethnicity and health disparities among the U.S. population. If racial and ethnic disparities in health are not addressed, demographic …show more content…
The problem of access reaches beyond the 44 million Americans who lack health insurance-a number that is expected to reach 52 to 54 million over the next 10 years. The growing numbers are of concern because those without coverage tend to delay or forego important preventative and primary care services. Community-based efforts are needed to track health problems and assess unmet needs.
The design of the health care delivery system has created a variety of obstacles to those seeking care. Strategies are needed to address such impediments. Improving the primary care system and access to it by conducting community assessments to determine gaps in services and engaging stakeholders in the process of access improvement. It is also important to focus on equalizing access to care by improving the quality of existing …show more content…
The large share of low-income uninsured Americans under the current combination of federal and state programs suggest that without a system of universal health coverage some population groups will be at a disadvantage. With stronger state involvement in health, there is the potential or gaining public input in the design and management of systems of care that may better suited to local populations and conditions. States need to continue to strengthen their role in organizing systems of health financing and service delivery. Stakeholders should take this opportunity to devise a plan to eliminate health disparities and increase life expectancy for the people. But there should be greater emphasis at the community level to end health