Racial and ethnic health disparities are pervasive across all states, according to a new report from the Commonwealth Fund.

According to “The Commonwealth Fund 2024 State Health Disparities Report,”

• Racial and ethnic disparities are pervasive across all states.
• Death rates and prevalence of health problems vary significantly by race and ethnicity in every state.
• Racial and ethnic health disparities are perpetuated by less insurance coverage and unequal access to high-quality care.
• Lack of comprehensive insurance coverage is a key contributor to disparities in access.
• Being uninsured or underinsured has consequences.
• Racial and ethnic disparities in care quality are driven by unequal access to and use of primary care.

To help address these challenges, the report recommends:

• Ensuring universal, affordable, and equitable health coverage.
• Strengthening primary care and improving the delivery of services.
• Reducing inequitable administrative burdens affecting patients and providers.
• Investing in social services.

Community safety-net hospitals have long been in the vanguard of addressing health care inequities in the predominantly low-income communities they serve.

Learn more about the nature and extent of the disparities and possible ways to address them and pursue health equity from “The Commonwealth Fund 2024 State Health Disparities Report.”