Is Your Health Plan Providing Equitable Care?

While much has been done to improve equitable access to care, we’re still far from equitable care. One of the contributing factors is the healthcare disparity among diverse ethnic groups – Asian, Black, and Hispanic populations – and Caucasians.??

These disparities exist for a number of reasons: lack of access to quality care options, lack of affordable care, and disparities in care, especially around prevention. No matter the cause, these groups can (and should) receive equitable preventive healthcare in a way that will impact the health of your employees and in turn, your company’s bottom line.?

Before EHE??

The data below show results for patients in each racial/ethnic group in the fiscal year before their EHE exam in FY23. It shows that chronic disease testing rates for these groups were lower (compared to Caucasians) before their EHE Health exam.? ?

After EHE??

The data below demonstrates the impact of the EHE exam for these groups. After completing their exam, these groups’ testing rates and preventive care were above standard benchmarks, especially in the annual flu vaccination and cancer screening categories.??

This is a result of our clinical protocol, which provides preventive screenings that these groups may not get with their PCP. As noted, we address shortcomings in preventive care, particularly for those with chronic diseases.???

Eliminating friction for diverse groups?

Providing equitable access to care for POC and diverse groups is possible by eliminating the friction that would typically prevent people from using their preventive benefit. Eliminate the friction by:??

• Improving geographic reach. Think of each group’s needs according to geographic location, appointment wait times, and schedules. Be sure you’re offering a benefit that provides the most convenient exam appointments possible, even if that means addressing gap areas with temporary initiatives such as on-site pop-up clinics.?

• Offering complete, evidence-based care. Ensure you’re offering a program that meets all the standards (especially for your diverse ethnic groups) for adult wellness visits, cancer screenings, and vaccination rates.?

• Challenging inconsistent parts of your plan. Ensure your benefit offers an annual preventive exam at 100% coverage, with no copays or deductibles. This will make diverse groups (and your employee population, overall) more likely to take advantage of their benefit.?

Playing the Long Game?

Think a year, five years, ten years from now – what does your company’s population health look like? Perhaps you’ve lowered healthcare costs and offered healthcare coverage at 100%, including for your diverse ethnic groups.??

Whatever that long-term vision looks like, it requires you to consider equitable care for all your employees. It’s one of the most important changes you can make today that will have positive repercussions for years to come.?

Interested in employee healthcare solutions? Get in touch here.?

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