How Medicaid and Racial inequities Hinder Access to American Long-Term Care

As America works towards more inclusive practices in aged care, we are learning more about how racial and ethnic disparities affect this sector. Furthermore, research has allowed for a more complete understanding of how wealth disparities along racial lines re-enforce gaps in access to care. A 2017 report from the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System illustrates this clearly. It finds that the mean net worth of White Americans was $933,700, compared to the $138,200 mean net worth of Black Americans. These numbers include adults over age 65 and the families that may assist them in covering their health expenses. Thus, these wealth disparities have profound implications in access to long-term care.