Virginia Health Insurance Inequities

Last Updated on Saturday, 22 October 2011 10:22 Written by Natural Health Team Saturday, 22 October 2011 10:22

Health Information about Virginia Health Insurance Inequities

This past week I was very lucky to be given the opportunity to attend the Virginia Public Health Association’s Conference on Health Equity. The conference was held in Richmond, Virginia’s capitol, and welcomed people from around the state who were interested in learning more about inequalities in our health care systems, health outcomes and policy priorities.

The main point made at this conference was that inequities in health outcomes are caused by more than just individual behaviors or biological predisposition. Instead, quality of health can be attributed to comprehensive and systemic factors.

Like what? Think big: infrastructure, geography, education, language. Surprise, surprise — our nation’s system is currently designed to disenfranchise, dis-empower and disregard our most vulnerable populations’ needs when it comes to wellness.

It is clear that there are larger systemic issues at play in this scenario — a made up, but highly common story. From the poor transportation systems to the lack of food options to the policies and politicians that allow landlords to ignore tenants’ complaints, odds are stacked against this family … and many others like it!

Moving beyond one-on-one patient care, these systemic barriers are what our health experts and advocates must address in the hopes of overcoming inequalities in health status. We have our work cut out for us!

Now — let’s tell Mark to practice some basic preventive care that would improve his health outcomes.

- Exercise and eat a healthy diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables.
Most corner stores only have packaged or canned foods, and fast food restaurants provide the most affordable, filling and convenient meals.

Poor transportation make it difficult for Mark to even get to a grocery store, and when he does the prices are high. It is nearly impossible for Mark to make the time or find the space to exercise in a neighborhood that is not always safe.

- Go to a yearly check-up to prevent illnesses from going untreated.
The health department in the community only provides essential services — mostly immunizations for children, prenatal care, and STD testing.

Mark has a high enough income that he is not eligible for Medicaid, and the free clinic’s lines are long and only focus on people who are already sick.

- Go back to school and get a better job so you can have insurance.
Even if there was still a community center or school in the neighborhood that offered night classes to adults at a reasonable price, it would be difficult for Mark to find the time in between work shifts to attend class, study AND fulfill his responsibilities to family.

- Move out of the damp apartment that is making your children sick.
The apartment buildings throughout the community in Mark’s price range have similar conditions and local landlords are known for disregarding the requests of black tenants.

- Minimize stress to promote mental health and overall wellness.
Yeah, right.

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