Today, the Siftwell 2024 Medicaid Recipient Health Equity Index report revealed significant health disparities affecting Medicaid recipients in New England, particularly racial minorities.1 These findings highlight ongoing challenges and barriers that underscore the need for systemic change to improve health care access and outcomes for vulnerable groups.
More than half of Medicaid recipients in New England face health disparities, particularly based on race.
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“Health care inequities persist, and are particularly prevalent for people on Medicaid,” Trey Sutten, CEO and co-founder of Shiftwell, said in the report. “Harmful biases clearly prevent people on Medicaid from receiving the care and the supports and services they deserve.”
More than half of Medicaid-eligible recipients in New England believe they have faced health disparities, and 58% say they have used or are currently using local or statewide services. Members of the LGBTQ+ community are 16% more likely to have used these services compared to heterosexuals, and women are 10% more likely to have used state or local support services compared to men.
Utilization of mental health centers and pregnancy programs was the highest at 29% and 23%, respectively, helping to fill gaps in healthcare for vulnerable populations.
Nearly half of respondents (44%) said they had been diagnosed with depression, 42% reported being diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, and 29% of respondents said they had difficulty accessing mental health services where they live.
Additionally, 43% of respondents had heard of local parenting programs, support groups, or health services for new parents, and 41% of respondents felt there was enough support available in their area. Notably, 31% of Hispanic/Latino respondents and 29% of White respondents attributed inequitable care to mental health conditions, and 25% of Black/African American respondents said racial bias played a role.
From a larger perspective, Medicaid and Medicare policy changes have raised concerns among health researchers. In particular, the implementation of work requirements for Medicaid eligibility and the end of continuous Medicaid enrollment are expected to have a major impact. Studies estimate that these changes in Medicaid policy could lead to more than 8,000 additional deaths among people under age 65.2
While there is still room for progress, efforts to address these inequities continue. Community-based organizations (CBOs) and managed care organizations (MCOs) have made notable progress in eliminating health disparities.1 These organizations actively work to address health care inequities that affect Medicaid beneficiaries, with a particular focus on racial and ethnic disparities in health care access and health outcomes. These organizations are committed to providing support services to vulnerable populations, including mental health support, crisis intervention services, and programs for pregnant women and young children. By providing these services, they close disparities in access to health care and promote better health outcomes.
Collaborative efforts among CBOs, MCOs, Medicaid agencies, health care providers, and other stakeholders have developed comprehensive strategies aimed at reducing health disparities. By working together, the report suggests, these organizations can leverage their resources, expertise, and community connections to address the root causes of inequities and improve access to health care for underserved populations.
Additionally, these organizations have advocated for policy changes and initiatives aimed at reducing health disparities and promoting health equity. By participating in advocacy efforts at the local, state, and national levels, these organizations raise awareness of the importance of eliminating health care disparities and contribute to meaningful change in the health care system.
“Identifying the most significant issues and barriers within a region can provide providers and payers with a blueprint for improving care and access for high-risk populations,” the report states.
References
1. Siftwell. 2024 Medicaid Eligible Health Equity Index: A report on racial/ethnic, health-related social needs, behavioral and mental health, and maternal and child health disparities in New England for Medicaid recipients. Published July 11, 2024. Accessed July 11, 2024. https://siftwell.ai/2024-medicaid-eligible-health-equity-index-new-england/
2. Klein H. Medicaid, Medicare policy changes could lead to more than 25,000 additional deaths, study says. AJMC. April 30, 2024. https://www.ajmc.com/view/medicaid-medicare-policy-changes-could-lead-to-more-than-25-000-additional-deaths-study-says
