Women In Government Actions
The 2005 National Healthcare Disparities report identified that disparities related to race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status are highly prevalent in the United States. Studies have shown that health disparities in the United States occur due to differences in economic, social, environmental and genetic factors. Furthermore, sources of health disparities are characterized by irregular access to medical care, lack of health insurance, and inequalities in practice of medicine. Specific areas of disparities in healthcare are: incidence and prevalence of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, immunizations, infant mortality and cancer screening and management. With low-income minorities significantly affected by heath disparities, it is essential that state policymakers address the issue of possibly expanding public services to cover a greater percentage of the minority populations and find cost-effective measures to reduce the gaps in our healthcare system that give rise to these health disparities.
The 2005 National Source: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. 2005 National Healthcare Disparities Report. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Recent Events
July 2011
At the 18th Annual Midwestern Regional Conference, Ensuring Emergency Access to Prescription Drugs was one of the topics discussed. This session provided an introduction to the Rx Response program, as well as the steps a state needs to take in order to participate in the program. Erin Mullen, Erin Mullen, RPh, PhD, CEM, the Assistant Vice President for Rx Response at the Pharmaceutical Research & Manufacturers of America provided legislators with information about how states can join the program or check on the status of their state’s participation. Her presentation is available here.
At Women In Government's Oncology Task Force in Minneapolis, Minnesota, panelists provided information on oncology parity and an overview of the national landscape regarding state legislative activity. The first panelist, Arin Assero, the Director of Advocacy at the International Myeloma Foundation, presented on the general concept of oncology parity and the availability of oral cancer treatment. Her presentation is available here. The second panelist, Representative Patti Bellock from Illinois featured her specific case example based on recent legislation in Illinois, including the process, pitfalls and challenges faced, and peer-to-peer advice on advancing oncology parity legislation. Her presentation is available here, and the Illinois House Bill 1825 which she worked on, is available here.
June 2011
At Women In Government's 14th Annual Western Regional Conference, in June 2011 in Denver, Colorado, Terry McInnis, MD, MPH spoke about reducing costs and improving quality care in high-risk populations. States are looking for solutions that make sense in reducing the costs to their Medicaid budgets while also providing quality care for high-risk populations. This session presented data from Medicaid populations that have reduced cost and improved quality in high risk populations. To view Dr. McInnis's presentation, please click here.
Fact Sheets
Publications
In the News
- Healthcare System in the United States is called "Backward." Read the Article.
- Studies Look at Reasons for Racial Disparities in Health Care. Read the Article.
- Minorities and Uninsured are Less Likely to Receive Care at High-volume Hospitals. Read the Article.
- Minorities and Uninsured Missing Out on Preventive Screening. Read the Article.
Additonal Resources
