Reference no: EM133802844

Question

Keep citation and ake it interesting Health disparities-differences in access, quality, and outcomes of healthcare across racial, ethnic, and socio-economic groups-remain a pressing issue in the U.S. healthcare system. Despite advances in medical technologies and resources, systemic inequities, implicit biases, and structural barriers continue to disproportionately affect minority populations (Riley, 2012). Historical reports, such as the 1985 Heckler Report and the 2003 IOM report Unequal Treatment, have underscored these inequities, revealing their links to higher rates of chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer among minorities, as well as limited access to preventive care and timely medical interventions (Riley, 2012). These disparities also carry significant economic consequences, with billions of dollars in potential savings lost due to unequal health outcomes (Riley, 2012). Furthermore, challenges such as insurance gaps, income inequality, and geographic barriers-particularly in rural and underserved areas-compound these issues, widening the gap in healthcare access (Caballo et al., 2021).