Racial Health Disparities Take Human and Economic Toll
Despite incredible scientific and medical advances like penicillin and vaccines that protect us from polio, measles, influenza, and now COVID-19, healthcare disparities continue to disproportionately harm minorities and add billions of dollars to the cost of healthcare.
Conditions like heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes top a long list of medical conditions disproportionately affecting minority populations, according to Hamilton Health Center CEO Jeannine Peterson. The clinic serves thousands, including a large minority population, who might otherwise have little or no access to healthcare.
These disparities come at a steep price.
Health disparities added nearly $230 billion in direct medical costs, and about $1 trillion in productivity losses, costs associated with early death, and other indirect costs, to the nation’s healthcare bill from 2003-2006, according to a study by
Racial Health Disparities Take Human and Economic Toll
Despite incredible scientific and medical advances like penicillin and vaccines that protect us from polio, measles, influenza, and now COVID-19, healthcare disparities continue to disproportionately harm minorities and add billions of dollars to the cost of healthcare.
Conditions like heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes top a long list of medical conditions disproportionately affecting minority populations, according to Hamilton Health Center CEO Jeannine Peterson. The clinic serves thousands, including a large minority population, who might otherwise have little or no access to healthcare.
These disparities come at a steep price.
Health disparities added nearly $230 billion in direct medical costs, and about $1 trillion in productivity losses, costs associated with early death, and other indirect costs, to the nation’s healthcare bill from 2003-2006, according to a study by
Technology Becoming a Pipeline to Mental Wellness
Many businesses have been hit hard by the lingering COVID-19 pandemic, and not just in terms of their balance sheets. The impacts of downsizing, closures, remote work schedules, illnesses, and even deaths has taken an emotional toll on the workforce.
In a survey of more than 1,000 full-time U.S. employees by Paychex, Inc., more than half of the respondents said their mental health had worsened during the pandemic, and about one-third said they were having difficulties maintaining their typical productivity level due to the state of their mental health.
Anxiety, depression and other mental wellness issues have grown during the pandemic, at the same time preventive practices like remote working and social isolation have made it harder for people to connect. But healthcare technology is helping to bridge the divide, bringing mental health resources to those who need them via smartphones and laptops.
Companies face uncertain post-pandemic health costs
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a rare short-term drop in healthcare expenses in 2020.
Many people were fearful of face-to-face medical visits. Others missed or postponed appointments because their providers were forced to close or cancel many elective procedures. These types of procedures and medical activity began to resume in the early summer. At least one local insurer says it saw claims levels return to normal levels by June.
It may be too soon to tell the final outcome of 2020 as COVID-19 case counts again are rising and no one is certain of the financial impact. However, according to Willis Towers Watson, a global risk management and advisory firm, the deferred care in the spring drove employer health-claim costs down anywhere from 3.3% to 9.9% this year vs. 2019.
Companies face uncertain post-pandemic health costs
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a rare short-term drop in healthcare expenses in 2020.
Many people were fearful of face-to-face medical visits. Others missed or postponed appointments because their providers were forced to close or cancel many elective procedures. These types of procedures and medical activity began to resume in the early summer. At least one local insurer says it saw claims levels return to normal levels by June.
It may be too soon to tell the final outcome of 2020 as COVID-19 case counts again are rising and no one is certain of the financial impact. However, according to Willis Towers Watson, a global risk management and advisory firm, the deferred care in the spring drove employer health-claim costs down anywhere from 3.3% to 9.9% this year vs. 2019.