Systemic Racism in Healthcare: The Cost of High Drug Prices for Communities of Color

The rising cost of prescription drugs in the United States disproportionately impacts Latino, Black, and immigrant communities, exacerbating existing health disparities. This issue is deeply intertwined with socioeconomic factors, as these groups are more likely to have lower incomes and less access to health insurance, leading to higher out-of-pocket expenses for necessary medications.

Impact of High Drug Prices

1. Economic Barriers: Latino, Black, and immigrant communities often face significant economic barriers. For example, Black Americans are almost twice as likely to be uninsured compared to white Americans, and 42% of Hispanic Americans report not taking their medication as prescribed due to cost​ (Patients For Affordable Drugs Now)​​ (American Immigration Council)​. These economic barriers prevent access to essential medications, leading to worse health outcomes.
2. Chronic Conditions: These communities also suffer from higher rates of chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma, which require ongoing medication. The inability to afford these medications results in unmanaged conditions, increasing the risk of severe health complications and hospitalizations​ (Patients For Affordable Drugs Now)​​ (Center for American Progress)​.
3. Access to Healthcare: Immigrants, in particular, face additional hurdles. Many immigrants are excluded from federal health programs like Medicaid, which forces them to rely on emergency services for care, leading to higher overall healthcare costs and poorer health outcomes​ (American Immigration Council)​. Additionally, the lack of preventive care and regular medical check-ups exacerbates the severity of health issues when they do seek care.

Broader Social Implications

High drug prices contribute to a cycle of poverty and poor health in these communities. When individuals cannot afford their medications, they are more likely to miss work or be unable to maintain steady employment due to health issues, perpetuating economic instability.

Moreover, systemic issues such as racial bias in medical research and healthcare delivery mean that diseases predominantly affecting these communities receive less attention and funding. For example, sickle cell disease, which disproportionately affects Black Americans, has seen less pharmaceutical investment compared to other conditions with smaller patient populations​ (Patients For Affordable Drugs Now)​.

Addressing the Issue

Addressing this multifaceted issue requires comprehensive policy changes. Proposals such as allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices and increasing funding for community health centers could make a significant difference. These measures would help reduce out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs and improve access to affordable healthcare​ (Center for American Progress)​.

Conclusion

While this issue intersects with race and socioeconomic status, it is crucial to frame the conversation around equity in healthcare access and affordability, rather than as a racial debate. Ensuring that all communities have access to affordable medications is not only a matter of health equity but also of economic justice.

Citations

• Patients For Affordable Drugs Now. High Prescription Drug Prices Perpetuate Systemic Racism. Retrieved from Patients For Affordable Drugs Now.
• Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. High inflation impact on Black, Latinos, Native Americans. Retrieved from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
• Center for American Progress. Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Will Help Millions of Seniors and Improve Health Equity. Retrieved from Center for American Progress.
• American Immigration Council. Unequal Access: Immigrants and U.S. Health Care. Retrieved from American Immigration Council.