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Over the last 20 months, the debate surrounding racial health care disparity became resoundingly clear as we witnessed COVID-19 disproportionately affect our loved ones and communities. The pandemic exposed America's long-standing gap in access to quality care. Decades of inequality in economic investments have left Black and Latinx communities underserved and under-resourced for generations.
Roles that were suddenly deemed essential required increased exposure to the public, with job losses contributing to disruptions in health coverage. At the same time, a recent study showed that Black patients who previously contracted the virus received less care and doctor follow-up after discharge than white patients. Beyond experiencing twice the number of cases and deaths among Black and brown people, the pandemic's far-reaching implications will have long-lasting effects if left unaddressed. Comprehensive health coverage and access to quality care are no longer just nice to haves — they are imperative to ensuring the future of Black families.
The social policy bill that Biden's administration and Congress pushed forward is an important step toward addressing obstacles that have been neglected for too long. Deeply rooted inequities in this country were embedded in our economic, housing, education and healthcare systems long before the pandemic. Expanding access to health coverage while lowering rates to an affordable range across the age spectrum will make a significant impact.
But the work does not stop at implementing these policies from the White House. Eliminating barriers to health coverage requires a three-pronged approach. The systemic change at the federal level, a local strategy of diverse representation in our neighborhoods and, lastly, proactive education on the actions we can take individually to ensure we have access to the care we need.
These are three actions the government, coverage providers and individuals should take together:
1. Place Comprehensive Coverage At The Forefront
While high health coverage costs are a concern for most families, it disproportionately affects those in underserved communities. Uninsured and underinsured, several households are forced to make tough choices between food and rent vs. health coverage and books. In many low-income communities, lack of adequate dental care is among the leading causes of absenteeism for school-aged children. Having to make choices across these critical necessities is the unacceptable reality that way too many households of color face.
Creating an equitable future for the health of our communities involves ensuring that singles and families are educated on the low-cost options that can cover their full range of needs — medical, dental, vision and behavioral health. In NYC, 60% of city workers identify as Black or Latinx. Many found themselves on the frontline of the pandemic to keep our city running — managing emergency rooms, providing access to critical food and income supports, and maintenance workers.
Cost is one of many factors of consideration by these employees when choosing a health insurance plan. Options such as MetroPlusHealthGold offer the best in quality care, affordable coverage and are designed to meet the diverse needs of the people who are essential to New York City. An extensive network of doctors and exclusive benefits, such as a fitness membership, are all covered at no cost to the employee.
Robust and affordable coverage should be the standard of service offered to workers across the country, and outreach is a critical part of ensuring that eligible people are aware of all the options available to them and their families.
2. The Right Messenger Matters
Government officials and healthcare organizations must think outside the box to meet people where they are and ensure that information reaches those communities that need it the most. Black and brown communities have trusted messengers that we need in order to engage in much more deliberate ways to disseminate educational information on important issues specifically plaguing our communities.
Whether engaging a pastor at a church anchored in the community or the local bodega that can amplify health messaging and promote health equity, at MetroPlusHealth, taking a localized approach is how we connect with residents from diverse neighborhoods throughout New York City. This means leveraging community events, utilizing non-traditional advertising methods and embedding extra social services into our community offices. It means, assembling a customer service team that speaks over 40 languages and reflects the broad diaspora of our members and those seeking coverage. It also means having diverse voices around the leadership table to advise on the best way of reaching culturally-distinct communities where and how they need.
3. Reclaim Physical And Mental Wellness
NYC Mayor-elect Eric Adams has a progressive health agenda centered on providing better coverage for New Yorkers by boosting funding for NYC Cares, MetroPlusHealth and Child Health Plus. Another focus of his plan is educating people on the lifestyle habits required to reverse the preventable conditions that plague communities of color, including high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes. Due to food insecurity in many neighborhoods where low-income individuals live, known as food deserts, access to fresh produce is limited or much more expensive than canned and/or processed foods. Empowering members to realize that they can take control of their health is what MetroPlusHealth is doing through their healthy rewards program.
By completing healthy activities, such as booking an annual mammogram, refilling prescriptions and even daily wellness habits such as drinking water, members earn points for rewards and get proactive about their health. This solution-oriented approach can help prevent critical downstream effects on the health of Black and brown people, adding years to their lives.
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Lesleigh Irish-Underwood is the Chief Brand and External Relations Officer with MetroPlusHealth.
