Racial inequities in health care are a pressing issue. They affect millions of people across the globe. In the United States, Black and Hispanic communities face significant healthcare disparities. These disparities are not just statistics; they are real stories with profound impacts.
Disparities in health refer to differences in health outcomes among various groups. These differences are often preventable. They stem from systemic biases and socioeconomic factors. Unequal access to health care is a significant barrier. It prevents marginalized communities from receiving the care they need. This leads to poorer health outcomes and increased suffering. Addressing health disparities requires a multifaceted approach. It involves policy changes, community engagement, and increased awareness. These efforts aim to decrease health disparities and promote equity.
Health care disparities are influenced by race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Geographic location also plays a role. These factors contribute to the unequal treatment of minority groups. The impact of these disparities is far-reaching. It affects individuals, families, and society as a whole. Addressing these issues is crucial for achieving health equity. Policies to reduce health disparities must focus on improving access and quality of care. They should also address affordability. This is essential for creating a more equitable health care system.
While New York has expanded healthcare coverage more than most states, Black and Hispanic populations still face barriers to obtaining regular, quality medical care.
Nationally, over 34% of Hispanic adults and 28% of Black adults do not have a regular primary care provider, compared to 20% of White adults (CDC).
In New York State, the uninsured rate is 5.2% overall, but jumps to 10% for Hispanic New Yorkers and 6% for Black New Yorkers—compared to 3% for White residents.
Root causes include:
Cost and lack of affordable insurance
Shortage of providers in underserved neighborhoods
Distrust of the medical system due to historic and ongoing discrimination
Black and Hispanic communities experience higher rates of preventable chronic diseases and often receive worse care.
Diabetes – Hispanic adults are 60% more likely than White adults to be diagnosed; Black adults are nearly twice as likely to die from related complications.
Hypertension & Heart Disease – Black adults have the highest rates of high blood pressure in the U.S. and are 30% more likely to die from heart disease.
Obesity – Rates are higher in both groups, increasing risk for stroke, kidney disease, and cancer.
In NYC, neighborhoods such as the South Bronx and Central Brooklyn see significantly higher chronic disease rates than more affluent areas.
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.
Maternal mortality rates expose one of the starkest inequities in American healthcare.
Black women in the U.S. are 2.6× more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than White women.
In NYC, Black women are six times more likely to die in childbirth than White women.
New York has responded with initiatives like Medicaid-covered doula services, extended postpartum care, and the “Birth Equity” program to tackle racism in maternal health care.
When communities lack access to quality care, the risk of medical errors and negligence increases. For underserved patients, this may mean:
Delayed or missed diagnoses
Improper treatment or medication errors
Failure to follow up on symptoms
Dismissal of pain or concerns—especially for Black women
In many cases, these aren’t just unfortunate outcomes—they may qualify as medical malpractice.
Addressing these inequities requires understanding their root causes:
Racial and ethnic bias—both implicit and explicit—in healthcare decisions
Geographic barriers in rural or underserved urban areas
Education and health literacy gaps that make navigating the system harder
Economic inequality limiting treatment options and preventative care
Eliminating disparities demands a multi-layered approach involving policymakers, healthcare providers, and communities.
Key solutions include:
Training providers in cultural competence and bias reduction
Increasing diversity in the healthcare workforce
Expanding community-based health initiatives in underserved areas
Strengthening patient advocacy resources
Leveraging telehealth to reach isolated populations
If you belong to an underserved community, there are steps you can take to safeguard your health and rights:
Keep a personal health record – Track symptoms, medications, and test results.
Ask for everything in writing – Request lab results, treatment plans, and discharge instructions.
Get a second opinion – Especially if your concerns are dismissed.
Bring a patient advocate – Particularly if there’s a language or trust barrier.
Know your rights – Discrimination in healthcare is illegal.
Creating a fair health care system demands commitment and vision. To cultivate equity, stakeholders must engage in comprehensive reforms. This involves reassessing current practices and policies with a focus on inclusivity.
Investment in diverse healthcare infrastructure is vital. This includes expanding access to care in underserved areas. Technology, such as telehealth, can bridge geographical gaps, making healthcare accessible to all.
Collaboration across sectors is necessary for lasting impact. Governments, healthcare organizations, and communities should work together. By sharing resources and expertise, they can implement effective interventions.
A culture of continuous learning must be embraced. Healthcare systems should adapt to emerging challenges. The focus should be on sustaining progress toward health equity.
In moving forward, integrating innovation with empathy will guide success. Persistent efforts and shared responsibilities will lead us to a more just healthcare landscape. Together, these actions pave the way for a healthier future for all.
At Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro, LLP, we represent patients across New York—particularly those in Black and Hispanic communities—who have suffered from substandard or negligent medical care.
If you or a loved one has been harmed by delayed diagnoses, surgical errors, maternal care failures, or other medical negligence, you don’t have to face it alone.
Contact us today for a free, private consultation to explore your legal options.
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.