Black and Latino individuals face significantly higher health insurance claim denials for preventative care, as revealed in a 2024 University of Toronto study. The research, which analyzed over 1.5 million claims from 2017 to 2020, highlights systemic disparities where Black, Hispanic, and Asian patients were two to three times more likely than White patients to experience denials. Preventative care—critical for early disease detection, including cancer screenings and immunizations—was less accessible to these groups, perpetuating unequal healthcare outcomes.
Low-income patients were also disproportionately affected, with a 40% higher likelihood of claim denials compared to wealthier individuals. The study suggests that these inequities deepen barriers to accessing essential care, with potential long-term implications for public health.
UnitedHealthcare, a major player in the U.S. health insurance industry, has been a focal point of criticism. The company’s use of an AI-driven system to deny claims, even for medically necessary care, has sparked public outrage and legal challenges. A Senate subcommittee report criticized UnitedHealthcare and other insurers for prioritizing profit over patient care, particularly through the aggressive use of prior authorization denials. Between 2019 and 2022, companies like CVS, Humana, and UnitedHealthcare showed significantly higher denial rates, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations, including seniors under Medicare Advantage plans.
The issue gained heightened attention following the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in 2024. Public reaction to the incident has spotlighted growing frustration with the for-profit health insurance model, which many view as prioritizing profits at the expense of patient care. Critics argue that systemic greed, incentivized by loopholes like the Medical Loss Ratio, has led to rising healthcare costs, inaccessible care, and financial hardship for patients.
Calls for increased regulation of the health insurance industry are mounting. Advocates emphasize the need for Congressional intervention to curb industry abuses, lower healthcare costs, and prioritize patient well-being over corporate profits. Without significant change, disparities in healthcare access and outcomes are likely to persist, further entrenching inequities in the U.S. healthcare system.
Link: The Black Wall St Times
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