In the United States, and especially in New York, Black and Hispanic communities face significant healthcare disparities. These inequities aren’t just numbers; they translate into shorter lifespans, higher rates of chronic illness, and avoidable deaths.
Here are the major issues, current statistics, and how New York is responding to close the gap.
While New York has expanded coverage more than most states, gaps in access persist—especially for Hispanic and African American populations.
According to the CDC, over 34% of Hispanic adults and 28% of Black adults nationwide do not have a regular primary care provider, compared to just 20% of White adults. The reasons include cost, lack of providers in underserved neighborhoods, and distrust in the medical system due to historic and ongoing discrimination.
In New York State, the overall uninsured rate is low at just 5.2%, but disparities remain: 10% of Hispanic New Yorkers and 6% of Black New Yorkers lack insurance, compared to only 3% of White New Yorkers.
Black and Hispanic communities face higher rates of preventable chronic diseases—and often receive worse care.
In New York City, communities like the South Bronx and Central Brooklyn experience significantly higher rates of these diseases, according to NYC Health.
Mental health conditions are rising among all Americans—but Black and Hispanic adults are far less likely to receive care.
Language barriers, stigma, and a shortage of bilingual or culturally competent providers contribute to these disparities. NYC has launched school-based counseling and public health campaigns to help narrow this gap, but need still outweighs available services.
Black women in the U.S. are facing a maternal mortality crisis—and New York is no exception.
Though Hispanic women have lower maternal death rates than Black women, they are still vulnerable—especially due to language barriers and immigration-related care access issues.
New York has responded with Medicaid-covered doula services, extended postpartum care, and the “Birth Equity” initiative to tackle racism in maternal care.
The Affordable Care Act helped reduce disparities in health coverage—but Hispanic and Black residents are still more likely to be uninsured.
Coverage alone isn’t enough—navigating the system, finding bilingual providers, and affording copays still prevent many from getting care.
When access to quality care is limited, the risk of medical errors and neglect increases. For underserved patients, this can mean:
Systemic biases and rushed care in overburdened clinics can lead to avoidable injuries, worsened illness, or even death. In many cases, these aren’t just unfortunate outcomes—they may qualify as medical malpractice.
If you’re part of an underserved community, you can take proactive steps to protect your health and hold providers accountable:
Track your symptoms, medications, appointments, and test results. Bring this to every medical visit.
Request copies of lab reports, treatment plans, and discharge instructions. If you’re unsure, ask for an explanation in plain language.
If something doesn’t feel right or your concerns are being dismissed, seek another provider—even in public health systems, you have the right to change doctors.
Bring someone with you to appointments when possible, especially if there’s a language barrier or if you’re overwhelmed.
If you believe you’ve received substandard care due to your race, ethnicity, language, or insurance status, speak with a medical malpractice attorney.
At Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro, LLP, we represent patients across New York who have suffered due to poor or negligent medical care—particularly in communities that have been ignored or mistreated.
If you or a loved one has experienced serious harm from a delayed diagnosis, surgical error, or poor maternal care, reach out. You don’t have to face this alone.