The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has helped to ensure health care coverage for millions of Americans. However, as of September, 2023, of Black Americans 10.4% had no health insurance compared to 6.5 white.

Unfortunately, African Americans, compared to their white counterparts, are generally at higher risk for heart disease, stroke, cancer, influenza, pneumonia, diabetes and HIV/AIDS, according to the Office of Minority Health, part of the Department for Health and Human Services.

The CDC reports that African Americans are more likely to die at early ages from all causes, as young African Americans are living with diseases that are typically more common at older ages for other races. They report that social factors compared to others in the U.S., specifically whites, affect African Americans at younger ages: unemployment, living in poverty, not owning a home, cost prohibitive effects of trying to see an MD, smoking, inactive lifestyle, or obesity.

Black women have the highest maternal mortality rate in the U.S.-69.9 per 100,00O live births for 2021-almost three times the rate for white women. Black babies are more likely to die, and also far more likely to be born prematurely, setting the stage for health issues that could follow them through life.

Committee on Civil and Political Rights said, “The right to life cannot exist without equal access to affordable healthcare services (including in prisons), mental health services, and notably, access to abortion.”  

Upon reflection, how can we provide medical coverage for all?

Submitted by Mary Ann Lause 314-842-6403