Addressing COVID-19 health disparities: opportunities for Medicaid programs

Addressing COVID-19 health disparities: opportunities for Medicaid programs

Collection:
Health Policy and Services Research
Series Title(s):
Issue brief (Milbank Memorial Fund)
Author(s):
Thielke, Aasta, author
Curtis, Pam, author
King, Valerie, author
Contributor(s):
Milbank Memorial Fund, issuing body.
Publication:
New York, NY : Milbank Memorial Fund, June 2021
Language(s):
English
Format:
Text
Subject(s):
COVID-19
Healthcare Disparities
Health Equity
Medicaid
United States
Genre(s):
Technical Report
Abstract:
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a disproportionate toll on racial and ethnic minority populations in the United States. Communities of color face higher rates of COVID-19–related adverse social and economic outcomes, as well as higher risks of contracting the virus and related subsequent hospitalizations and deaths. Many Medicaid programs are addressing not only COVID-19–related racial and ethnic health disparities but also health disparities by income, geography, and other factors. The programs' two-pronged approach comprises short-term program changes through federal regulatory flexibility options, and a continued focus on long-term efforts to address deeply rooted systemic biases and increase health equity broadly. Short-term changes include ensuring access to Medicaid coverage, ensuring access to needed services, and improving data collection to better identify disparities and target interventions. These short-term changes are set within the context of longer-term equity work such as a continued or increased focus on prioritizing equity initiatives with Medicaid agencies, continued partnerships to support Medicaid's efforts to address health equity, and continued stakeholder engagement and communication with Medicaid members and providers.
Copyright:
Reproduced with permission of the copyright holder. Further use of the material is subject to CC BY license. (More information)
Extent:
1 online resource (1 PDF file (16 pages))
Illustrations:
Illustrations
NLM Unique ID:
9918350585106676 (See catalog record)
Permanent Link:
http://resource.nlm.nih.gov/9918350585106676