Examining Health Care Provider Payment Discrepancies and Their Impact on Racial and Ethnic Health Inequities in the United States

In the United States, health inequities continue to be a significant issue, with disparities often affecting individuals along racial and ethnic lines. Several factors contribute to these disparities, including access to healthcare, social determinants like housing and food security, and structural payment inequities in the healthcare system. While numerous studies have explored various causes of health disparities, the impact of health care provider payment discrepancies on these inequities has largely been overlooked.

This report aims to address this gap by examining how variations in health care provider payment contribute to disparities in healthcare. Specifically, the report investigates whether providers who primarily serve historically marginalized populations receive lower payments for the same services compared to those who serve predominantly White populations. Additionally, the report considers whether these payment discrepancies are driven solely by differences in payer mix or if payment differences within payer types also play a role.

To gain valuable insights into this issue, download the full report now.