Health care disparities are the differences that exists in health and health care among people. Heath disparities denote a higher burden of disease, disability, injury, or mortality exposed to a specific population group comparative to another (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2012). On a broad perspective, health care disparities are the existing differences among groups regarding the coverage of health insurance, accessibility and affordability of care, and the quality of care. In the contemporary world, the differences in health and health care disparities are difficult to explain by variations in patient preferences, health care needs, and treatment recommendations. These differences can also be referred to as health inequality or health inequity and are perceived to be unnecessary, preventable, or underserved.
In the United States, health care disparities have existed since time immemorial. The health sector has experienced numerous complaints from groups that are subjected to inadequate and lower quality of health care services. At the same time, a section of the population can easily access and afford health care services. The gap in health care has created an unjust society as the low class people, and communities of color are linked to poorer health outcomes. Even though the health care disparities in the US have existed for an extended period of time, the issue remains long-standing and persistent one (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2012). Despite massive improvements in the delivery of health care services, numerous disparities have persevered, or widened in some cases. As a result, the government has formulated measures to reduce the disparities although much needs to be done. For example, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was implemented to speed the process of attaining equality in health care.
Health care disparities exist as a result of complex interconnected components. It is influenced by individual, provider, societal, health system, and environmental factors amongst others. The personal or individual factors results from the practice of health behaviors and the maintenance of a healthy weight as prescribed by a physician. The patient-provider communication is also affected by issues like provider bias, culture, and linguistic barriers. The social and environmental factors that cause the disparities include economic status, level of education, residence, or even accessibility to health care (Betancourt et.al, 2005). Most important, the organization, funding, and delivery of services affect health care to a great extent. Nonetheless, the principle approaches that account for health care disparities includes the allocation of health care resources. In most incidences, it has always been unfair to a particular population is favored and receives more resources compared to other counterparts.
Numerous strategies have been employed to alleviate the disparities in health care in the US. The implementation of the Affordable Care Act aimed at expanding health coverage, accessibility to care, and introducing public health and prevention strategies. The minority and other vulnerable populations are guaranteed the right to afford quality care unlike in the past. ACA targets expanding health care services and offers health insurance to the low-income individuals and communities of color. Currently, Obama care is implemented to alleviate the disparities in the health care system. More efforts should be introduced because the gaps still exist. It will be wise for policymakers to incorporate the prevention strategies with cultural practices, linguistics, age, or even health literacy skills. In conclusion, it is important to come up with strategies that address justice and efficiency in health care system. This involves accountability and transparency in the allocation of health care resources.
References
Kaiser Family Foundation. (2012, November 30). Disparities in Health and Health Care: Five Key Questions and Answers | The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. Retrieved from http://kff.org/disparities-policy/issue-brief/disparities-in-health-and-health-care-five-key-questions-and-answers/
Betancourt, J. R., Green, A. R., Carrillo, J. E., & Park, E. R. (2005). Cultural competence and health care disparities: key perspectives and trends. Health affairs, 24(2), 499-505.
