Health Equity Implications
Black / African American adults were about twice as likely as the overall county population to report that they could not afford to see a doctor( 29.8 % vs. 14.6 %). Hispanic / Latino adults face both access barriers( 25.9 % unable to afford care) and lower insurance coverage( 77.6 % insured vs. 88.6 % overall). AIAN adults also show disproportionate access challenges( 25.3 % unable to afford care).
All three primary data methods confirmed critical provider shortages, wait times of three to six months for primary and specialty care, dental and vision provider shortages( especially for Medicaid recipients), cost-related barriers to care utilization, and health literacy gaps that prevent effective navigation of the healthcare system.
Sub Areas of Concern
• Availability of primary, specialty, dental, and vision care providers
• Affordability of care( insurance costs, co-pays, deductibles, prescription costs)
• Health literacy and patient navigation support
• Health insurance coverage and enrollment assistance
• Telehealth and digital access to care
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