Biden’s Act Lowers Medical Costs for Minorities

TL/DR –

April is Minority Health Month, a time to acknowledge health disparities among historically disadvantaged minority populations in the US and the measures the Biden administration is implementing to close this gap. Health disparities persist due to structural and systemic discrimination in the health system, which makes it difficult for people of color and minority groups to access and afford health care. One substantial improvement is the Inflation Reduction Act, which caps the cost of each covered insulin product at $35 per month’s supply and out-of-pocket drug costs at around $3,500 in 2024, offering financial relief to families struggling to afford medication.

Observing Minority Health Month: Progress and Challenges

In honor of Minority Health Month this April, it’s important to reflect on the actions taken to improve health care access for communities of color. This observance underlines the persistent health disparities among disadvantaged minority groups and the efforts of President Joe Biden’s administration to close these gaps.

Centering Equity in Healthcare

Although Minority Health Month is annually observed, the current Administration has prioritized health equity throughout the year. Despite the strides made, health disparities still exist due to the systemic discrimination ingrained into the health system. This discrimination often makes it difficult for many racial and ethnic minority groups to access and afford health care.

Chronic Health Conditions and Minority Medicare Enrollees

As the HHS Regional Director for the Midwest, I’ve noticed high rates of uninsured individuals and chronic health conditions among Native Americans, Black, and Latino Americans. Structural barriers rooted in racism and discrimination have limited health care access for many minority groups, leading to higher rates of diseases like diabetes. For instance, people of color who are Medicare enrollees have higher rates of diabetes compared to their white counterparts.

Impact of the Inflation Reduction Act

The Inflation Reduction Act, part of President Biden’s historic prescription drug law, has significantly benefitted minority Midwesterners with Medicare. This law has capped the cost of each covered insulin product at $35 per month, providing financial relief and peace of mind to many families. Furthermore, the law has put a limit on out-of-pocket drug costs, making prescription drugs more affordable.

Further Steps Towards Health Equity

While progress has been made, more needs to be done to address racial health disparities in the U.S. My work as HHS Regional Director has focused on promoting health equity in the Midwest. Thanks to initiatives like the Inflation Reduction Act, more people have access to affordable health coverage, and the cost of prescription drugs is being tackled. These steps are crucial in overcoming health care barriers faced by communities of color.

Michael Cabonargi serves as Regional Director of the Great Lakes Region (Region V) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

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