Racial and ethnic differences in access to medical care in managed care plans

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Health Disparities
• Healthcare Access

Background:

• Managed care plans are a significant part of the US healthcare system.
• Understanding healthcare access disparities among racial and ethnic minorities is crucial for health equity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare healthcare access differences between racial/ethnic minorities and whites in managed care plans versus other health plan types.
• To investigate the impact of managed care on healthcare access for minority populations.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a nationally representative sample of nonelderly African American, Hispanic, and white individuals with health insurance.
• Employed a cross-sectional household survey design conducted in 1996-1997.
• Assessed access and utilization using measures such as regular provider, physician visits, ER use, and specialist visits.

Main Results:

• Fewer Hispanics and African Americans reported having a regular provider compared to whites.
• Hispanics were least likely to have had their last doctor visit with a specialist.
• Disparities in managed care plans were similar to those in non-managed care plans.
• Managed care with gatekeeping was associated with a usual source of care and regular provider, and lower specialist use.

Conclusions:

• Managed care plans did not significantly reduce healthcare access disparities between racial/ethnic minorities and whites.
• While primary care access showed some improvement for minorities in managed care, overall disparities remained comparable to other health plans.
• Further interventions may be needed to address persistent healthcare access gaps.