Breaking: New National Health Data Reveals Persistent Racial Gaps in Access to Care adn Preventive Services

In a sweeping national data release, health researchers highlight persistent disparities in access to care, affordability, and preventive services across racial and ethnic groups. Teh under-65 population of color remains more likely than White adults to report not having a usual health care provider and to forgo medical care in the past year, signaling structural barriers that persist despite overall progress in health outcomes.

Key findings for adults under 65

Among adults younger than 65,36% of Hispanics,25% of American Indian or Alaska Native (AIAN) adults,22% of Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander (NHPI) adults,and 19% of asian adults report not having a personal health care provider,compared wiht 16% of White adults. Black adults sit at 15%, a rate similar to White adults (16%).

Cost barriers are also uneven. Hispanic (23%), NHPI (19%), AIAN (18%), and Black (16%) adults are more likely than White adults (12%) to report not seeing a doctor in the past year because of cost. Asian adults (8%) are less likely than White adults to report skipping a visit due to cost. Hispanics (30%) are more likely than Whites (26%) to say they skipped a routine checkup in the last year, while Black adults (19%) are less likely to report missing a checkup. Dental visits fared similarly, with hispanic (45%), AIAN (41%), and Black (36%) adults more likely than White adults (32%) to report going without a visit to the dentist or dental clinic in the past year.

Children of color face greater gaps in care

For children, the gaps are also pronounced. About one third of Hispanic (34%), Black (34%), and Asian (34%) children lack a usual source of care when sick, compared with 15% of White children.Hispanic (39%), AIAN (39%), Black (33%), and Asian (28%) children are more likely than white children (21%) to not have a personal doctor or nurse. Dental care mirrors this pattern: Black (25%), Asian (23%), and Hispanic (22%) children went without a preventive dental visit in the past year, versus White children (18%). Data for NHPI children should be interpreted with caution due to large confidence intervals.

Mental health services vary by race and ethnicity

Among adults with any mental illness,White adults are most likely to report receiving mental health services in the past year (58%). In contrast, about 44% of Hispanic, 39% of Black, and 33% of Asian adults with mental illness accessed care in the last 12 months. Data for AIAN and NHPI adults are not available in this report.

Cancer screenings and preventive care show mixed progress

When it comes to breast cancer screening, 22% of Black women 40 and older report not being up to date with a mammogram, compared with 27% of White women.AIAN (37%) and Hispanic (30%) women are more likely than White women (27%) to be out of date. For colorectal cancer screening, Hispanics, Asians, AIAN, and NHPI individuals are more likely than Whites to be not up to date. AIAN (47%), asian (46%), Hispanic (40%), and black (34%) people report not being current, versus White individuals (31%).

Past three years, Pap smears show marked gaps: AIAN (47%), Asian (46%), Hispanic (40%), and Black (34%) women are less likely to be up to date than White women (31%).

Vaccinations: gaps persist in flu shots and childhood vaccines

Flu vaccination remains uneven. Among adults, 65% of Hispanics and 65% of AIAN adults did not receive a flu vaccine in the 2023-2024 season, compared with 58% of Black adults and 51% of White adults. among children,White children (48%) are more likely than Hispanic (39%) and Asian (31%) children not to receive the flu vaccine in the 2023-2024 season. Black (48%) and AIAN (46%) children have vaccination rates similar to White children.

From 2021-2023, AIAN (41%), Black (36%), and Hispanic (35%) children were more likely than White children (31%) to miss some recommended childhood immunizations. Asian children (30%) were on par with White children (31%). Data for NHPI children are not available.

Table: Selected disparities by race and ethnicity

Evergreen takeaways

The data underscore long-standing structural barriers that limit access to care for people of color, including affordability, provider availability, and trust in the health system. While overall health outcomes improve, disparities in preventive services and treatment persist, indicating a need for targeted policies that expand access, reduce cost barriers, and improve culturally competent care.

Experts say expanding affordable care, increasing the availability of primary care providers in underserved communities, and supporting outreach and education can definitely help close gaps. strengthening vaccination programs and routine screenings for communities most at risk could yield meaningful long-term declines in preventable illness and mortality.

What this means for readers

These findings highlight how everyday decisions-whether to seek care, stay up to date with screenings, or vaccinate children-are influenced by race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic factors. Readers are encouraged to engage in conversations about access to care in their communities and advocate for policies that ensure equitable health services for all families.

Disclaimer: This article summarizes findings from a national health data release. It is not medical advice. For personal health concerns, consult a healthcare professional.

Engage with us

What steps do you think could most effectively reduce barriers to care in your community? How have you or someone you know been affected by gaps in preventive services? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

What actions should policymakers prioritize to address these disparities in the next year?