Dec 14, 2024 Story by: Editor
A 2024 study reveals that Black, Hispanic, and Asian Americans seeking preventative care are “significantly” more likely to have their claims denied by health insurance companies.
The University of Toronto’s Institute of Health, Management, and Evaluation conducted the study, focusing on denials of preventative care claims by private health insurers in the United States. Preventative care includes services like cancer and heart disease screenings, immunizations, pregnancy health screenings, and other measures to prevent or detect health issues early.
The research team reviewed claims from over 1.5 million US patients filed between 2017 and 2020. The findings showed that vulnerable populations, including people of color and low-income individuals, faced higher denial rates for preventative care. This indicates that those most likely to benefit from such services were less likely to access them.
Low-income patients were found to be about 40% more likely than high-income patients to have their preventative care claims rejected. Additionally, Black, Hispanic, and Asian patients were two to three times more likely than White patients to face denials.
The Institute stated that these disparities “perpetuate inequitable access to high-value health care.”
Assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Unveils Growing Discontent with US Healthcare System
These insurance denials are just one of the many factors fueling frustration with the US healthcare system. This discontent was further highlighted following the recent assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Thompson was shot twice in the back while walking in midtown New York City, heading to a company conference, around 7:00 am. He died shortly after being rushed to the hospital, and 26-year-old Luigi Mangione was later arrested in connection to the murder.
The online response to Thompson’s death has been notably lacking in sympathy for the healthcare CEO. Axios cited one example of online anger from user @LogOffAlready on X (formerly Twitter), who stated, “When you shoot one man in the street it’s murder. When you kill thousands of people in hospitals by taking away their ability to get treatment you’re an entrepreneur.”
Last year, UnitedHealthcare was named in a lawsuit filed by the families of two deceased patients. The lawsuit alleges that the company used a “faulty AI system” to deny care for elderly patients, despite their doctors determining that the care was “medically necessary.”
Growing Concerns as Trump Prepares for Another Term
The public’s concerns about the US healthcare system are intensifying, especially as former President Donald Trump prepares for a potential return to office. Studies show that many Americans consider healthcare costs too high, with most delaying care due to expenses. According to the Commonwealth Fund, nearly one-third of insured patients still accumulate medical debt.
These growing disparities and frustrations are unlikely to be resolved in the near future. Trump and the GOP’s Project 2025 are expected to pursue significant cuts to Medicare and Medicaid. In 2017, Trump attempted to repeal the Affordable Care Act, but the effort failed. Now, he promises to overhaul the healthcare system again, though details on how he will protect the most vulnerable Americans remain unclear.
The United States continues to be one of the few developed countries without universal healthcare, unlike Canada, Mexico, and most European and South American nations, which provide government-funded healthcare, according to the World Population Review. Universal health care ensures that nearly all citizens have access to preventative, primary, and specialty care without the financial strain. Source: The Black Wall Street Times
