Citizens in states with high Indigenous populations tend to have worse health care, higher mortality, according to a new study.
NEW YORK-States with the largest Indigenous populations have the worst health system outcomes for Native people, according to a new study.
The report, Advancing Racial Equity in U.S. Health Care: The Commonwealth Fund 2024 State Health Disparities Report, comes from the Common Wealth Fund, a private foundation that examines health care in the U.S. to advance equitable outcomes. The data it collected included information about access to quality care for Black, white, Hispanic, American Indian/Alaska Native and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander populations.
The report found that Blacks and Native Americans live fewer years than white and Hispanic people. They are also more likely to die of treatable diseases, have a higher risk of chronic illness and have higher rates of maternal and infant mortality. They are less likely to have health insurance and receive preventable care such as vaccines, and are more likely to delay care because of access and cost.
North Carolina, New Mexico and California ranked highest in health outcomes for Alaskan and Native American, while Alaska, South Dakota, Montana, Arizona and North Dakota have among the lowest.
Native people in Wyoming, Montana, and North Dakota have the highest rates of premature avoidable mortality or death before the age of 75 from conditions considered to be preventable and treatable.
The study drew a correlation between lack of insurance coverage and access to care. The Indian Health System (IHS) is the primary source of care in Indian Country, serving 2.6 million Native peoples, according to its website. It has been historically underfunded.
You can find the full report at https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/fund-reports/2024/apr/advancing-racial-equity-us-health-care.
