Affordable for Who? Steps for States to Include Equity in Affordability Policies

Healthcare affordability burdens are all too familiar within the American healthcare system, but they do not affect all groups equally. In addition to facing greater health disparities, non-white communities and low-income earners experience greater affordability burdens—two things that are closely linked. Due to systemic inequities, people of color have significantly worse health outcomes and are overrepresented in the group of low-income earners targeted by affordability policies. Offering more affordable healthcare options to this group of individuals allows states to advance health equity by addressing the needs of the most disadvantaged. Incorporating equity components in such policies allows states to further ensure they address affordability, access, and health disparities challenges for those who struggle the most. 

In this webinar, we looked at how states can incorporate health equity considerations into policies across four healthcare affordability domains: curbing excess prices; reducing low-value care; expanding coverage options; and lowering out-of-pocket costs. We were joined by experts and state leaders working at the intersection of healthcare affordability and equity who shared their knowledge with those looking to enact similar measures in their own states. 

Date and Time

July 13, 2022
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. EST 

Speakers

• Beth Beaudin-Seiler, PhD, Altarum
• Stephani Becker, MPP, Shriver Center on Poverty Law
• Audrey Gasteier, MS, Massachusetts Health Connector
• Josh Wojcik, Connecticut Office of Comptroller

Resources

Hub Products

• Health Equity Checklists
• 2021 Healthcare Affordability State Policy Scorecard

Additional Resources:

• Research Consortium for Health Care Value Assessment: Advancing Health Equity by Increasing Access to High-Value Care
• Commonwealth Fund: What Four States Are Doing to Advance Health Equity in Marketplace Insurance Plans
• California Health Care Foundation: Investing in Primary Care: Why It Matters for Californians with Commercial Coverage
• Commonwealth Fund: State Strategies for Slowing Health Care Cost Growth in the Commercial Market
• SHADAC: Minnesota’s uninsured rate hit historic low in 2021 but racial disparities increased (Minnesota Department of Health Cross Post)
• Milbank Memorial Fund: Ensuring Health Care Cost Growth Targets Promote Health Equity
• Center for Health Care Strategies: Increasing Investment in Primary Care through Medicaid Managed Care