What is healthcare equity?

Everyone is unique — we come from different backgrounds, deal with different stressors, and need different levels of care and support to be the healthiest versions of ourselves. 

Healthcare equity is about accounting for these differences and leveling the playing field. In short, it’s about making sure everyone has equal access to the same quality of healthcare, from checkups to complex surgeries, regardless of race, gender, age, income, or other characteristics. 

Aiming for healthcare equity means acknowledging the unique hurdles some people face and providing everyone with the specific tools, support, and care that they need to thrive.

Common healthcare equity barriers and how they can impact you

If you’ve faced a barrier outside of your control that has affected your health, then you’re already familiar with healthcare inequity — even if you didn’t realize it. 

Here are a few of the most common barriers that impact access and health outcomes. 

Lack of access to care

One aspect of healthcare equity is simply having access to care. Common barriers to access include:

Mental health struggles

Even though mental health issues are common, there can still be a stigma attached to getting treatment. On top of that, some mental health disorders like anxiety and depression make it more challenging to reach out for care and can impact your physical health, as well. 

Conditions caused by systemic issues

Systemic issues like racism, sexism, and income inequality can contribute to health issues and lack of access to care. For example, someone living in poverty may not be able to afford healthy food options or safe living conditions, often increasing their chances of developing a disease later in life. 

Race and gender also play a role in systemic healthcare issues. Research shows that Black people are more likely to die from cancer, despite similar diagnosis rates to White people. Additionally, Black and Native American women experience higher rates of pregnancy-related mortalities. 

High cost of care

If you need a treatment or procedure but can’t afford it, that falls under the healthcare inequity umbrella. Even if you can afford the care you need, high costs can lead to financial stress and make long-term care unsustainable.

How your benefits can promote healthcare equity

First and foremost, your benefits should be easy to understand and easy to access  — this is probably already true for most people. 

Your employer or HR department can educate you on what’s available, and most insurers have portals for helping you find care, file claims, and more.

Now, let’s dive into a few ways that your benefits can promote equitable healthcare. 

Healthcare coverage can help you find and pay for a provider

Looking at your health insurance through the lens of healthcare equity means thinking about your access, inclusivity of coverage, and your level of benefits education. For example:

If you answered yes to all three of these questions, that’s great! If you answered no to any of these questions, though, then you’re likely facing at least one barrier to care. If you feel comfortable talking to your coworkers about healthcare, you can work together to better understand how your benefits promote healthcare equity — and even advocate for each other if you encounter any barriers. 

If cost is a barrier, you can check with your insurance provider about lower-cost options for medications and procedures. If your employer offers a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA), you can also use those to help cover expenses and save on taxes.

Telemedicine makes care more accessible

If time or distance is an issue, then telemedicine can be a great solution. In the last few years, more insurance providers have offered telehealth coverage, and more doctors have provided remote appointment options. You can use telemedicine for anything from the common cold to medication refills to therapy, all from the comfort of your own computer or phone. 

Employee Assistance Programs provide counseling and support

Employee Assistance Programs, or EAPs, are designed to connect employees with support for personal and work-related issues. These programs can include financial or legal assistance, mental health counseling, discounts on family care, and more. 

EAPs are typically free and confidential, so you can seek help or advice without worrying about your employer finding out. Be sure to ask your HR department if any EAPs are available to you, if there’s any associated cost, and how you can access them. 

Mental health resources

The Affordable Care Act requires most health insurance plans to offer mental health benefits. Your coverage may include visits to a mental health specialist in the same way you have coverage for other medical specialists, like dermatologists. 

You can check directly with your therapist or through your insurance provider to make sure your visits will be in-network. You may even be able to set up appointments through telemedicine. 

If you have access to an EAP, you may have access to a certain number of free or discounted mental health services or wellness programs. Contact your EAP for more information.

Miscellaneous benefits

Every insurance plan is different and your level of coverage may vary from year to year. But medical insurance isn’t the only tool available to you.

Here are just a few other benefits that can help you and others get fair access to quality care. 

No matter what benefits your plan offers, everyone’s situation is different. Keeping the barriers and questions mentioned above in mind can help you evaluate if you’re facing healthcare inequity. 

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