Reducing Health Disparities: Why and How Companies Are Making It Their Business

Abstract

Over the last decade, there have been numerous studies documenting that racial and ethnic disparities in health status persist among both adults and children, even when they have adequate health benefits coverage. Racial and ethnic minorities, more so than whites, suffer worse health outcomes from treatment, have higher rates of morbidity and mortality,1 and are more likely to rate their health as fair or poor. There also is a robust body of evidence documenting racial and ethnic disparities in health care. Even with similar health conditions and insurance, racial and ethnic minorities often do not have the same access to, or use of, some of the most advanced preventive, diagnostic and treatment services currently available. For example, racial and ethnic minorities are less likely than whites to undergo appropriate cancer diagnostic tests or receive appropriate cancer treatment and pain management.