There is compelling data to suggest that Blacks and the poor receive less primary and preventive care than Whites and the more affluent. According to Murrell and colleagues (1996), Black clients receive health care that is indifferent, inaccessible and undignified. The darker the skin color of the poor person, the more substandard the health care they receive. It is believed that lack of an insurance plan contributes to many of these findings. Compared to White women, African-American women are twice as likely and Hispanic women are nearly three times as likely to be uninsured. This paper will focus on findings from focus group data that describe barriers to care as perceived by African-American, White, Hispanic and Korean women in the state of Georgia. Five focus groups with 10-12 members per group, were conducted with insured and uninsured women over a twelve-month period. The focus groups revealed that minority women desire comprehensive health insurance. However, few were aware of existing state plans that offer low-cost health coverage for which they and their children might be eligible. The paper will further illuminate participants’ suggestions about how best to achieve health care coverage that is affordable and high quality and conclude with recommendations for a health insurance system that meets the need of all citizens.
Learning Objectives: At the completion of this session, the learner will be able to: 1) Discuss barriers to health coverage for minority women; 2)Discuss significant disparities related to health care access and isses of quality for minority women.
Keywords: Access and Services, Wellness
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Georgia's Department of Community Health
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.