A new study’s published findings just infused massive levels of energy into the global health equity community, with racial and ethnic health inequities costing $451 billion in the U.S. alone, representing a steep rise from the prior estimate of $320 billion back in 2014.
Researchers found that the majority of racial and ethnic inequities (69%) has been suffered by the African American population, primarily a result of the significant incidence of premature mortality. On a per-person basis, the populations exhibiting the highest levels of economic burden were Pacific Islanders ($23,225) and Native Americans
U.S. states that are among the most heavily populated and diverse registered the highest levels of ethnic and racial inequity expense, such as Texas ($41 billion), California ($40 billion), Illinois ($29 billion), Florida ($27 billion), and Georgia ($21 billion).
In reviewing health inequity costs, the researchers found marked differences with education levels were incorporated. For examples, as compared to adults with less than a high school diploma, the economic burden per person averages $9,467, whereas those with some college education exhibit the materially lower average of $2,028.
Health equity proponents were quick to note that this research underscores that health inequities result not only in disproportionately worse health outcomes for those in historically underrepresented an marginalized populations, but also in massive financial costs.
The research publication can be accessed here.
