This document discusses how health reform in Massachusetts from 2006 to 2009 impacted racial and ethnic inequities in health insurance coverage, access to care, and health outcomes. It finds that while absolute disparities in uninsurance rates declined for minorities after reform, relative disparities increased. The reform reduced disparities in access to regular care sources but disparities in certain medical procedures like PCIs and CABG either remained unchanged or increased for non-white groups compared to whites. Overall, the reform had mixed effects on reducing racial and ethnic inequities in health and healthcare.
4. 5 Surveys of Health Care Coverage
in Massachusetts
5. Measuring disparities (relative and
absolute)
• Absolute disparity: the number gap between
one social group and another (e.g. life
expectancy for blacks is 5 years lower than for
whites)
• Relative disparity: the percentage of the gap
between one social group and another e.g. life
expectancy for blacks is 15% lower than for
whites).
18. Share Reporting No Regular Source of Care,
Before & After Health Reform (BCBSMF)
18%
15.8%
16%
14%
12.4%
12%
10.3%
10% 9.4%
8%
6%
4%
2%
0%
2006 2009
White Non-Hispanic Racial/Ethnic Minorities
19. Share Reporting No Regular Source of Care,
Before & After Health Reform (CDC/BRFSS)
25%
21.9%
20% 19.1%
15%
9.9%
10%
8.0%
5%
0%
2006 2009
White Non-Hispanic Racial/Ethnic Minorities