Minorities of America do not have the privilege of receiving healthcare that is equivalent to that for the white people of America. People of color face racism and discrimination while navigating the health system.
This issue is complex; there are a number of differences between minorities of America and other groups, such as, the ability to pay, geographical variability, the treatment of patients given by the provider and more.
Minority Americans are more likely to have a bad healthcare experience due to the way they are treated by the healthcare providers. Studies done by Harvard University have shown those same minority Americans feel they would have been treated differently if they were white Americans.
When thinking of the minority group whom are treated badly by the healthcare system, most people are assuming African Americans, but Hispanics and Latinos are the most mistreated. This is due to the language barrier and the lack of accommodation to those people who may not fluently speak English. There is also the prejudice against Hispanics and Latinos that they are all illegal immigrants, especially during this time in America. Some medical providers will give them a quick fix just to get them to go away or blatantly refuse them service.
Because of the financial gap in America, this means minorities are the one whom are likely to have insurance. They would rather risk being uninsured because they could spend that money on something “more important.”Being that they are uninsured, there are operations, examinations or medications they may need but cannot receive it because they cannot pay for it themselves.
As our population is growing, it is becoming more diverse and it is important that we accommodate them, whether it is their lack of literacy, language or money. Everyone deserves to receive quality healthcare.
Little Black Girl 