TOPEKA — Despite overall declines in uninsured rates across Kansas, a recent report from the nonpartisan Kansas Health Institute highlights significant disparities in health insurance coverage among different racial and ethnic groups. According to their annual review, 20.1% of Hispanics in Kansas lacked health insurance in 2022, which is more than three times the rate of uninsured White residents in the state.
The data, based on the most recent figures, also revealed disparities among other groups: 12.7% of Black Kansans were uninsured, while only 6.2% of White Kansans lacked coverage. Overall, Kansas reported an uninsured rate of 8.6% in 2022, placing it 13th highest among U.S. states surveyed, and higher than the national average of 8%.
Kaci Cink, an analyst at the Kansas Health Institute, noted that while there have been improvements in reducing these disparities over time, significant gaps persist. “Hispanics are more likely to be uninsured,” Cink stated. “The disparities, while narrowing, remain a challenge.”
Factors contributing to these coverage gaps were discussed at a recent forum sponsored by the Kansas Health Institute. Ton Miras Neira from the University of Kansas Medical Center highlighted language barriers and unfamiliarity with U.S. health insurance systems among immigrants as significant hurdles. “The process of navigating legal requirements in the U.S. adds to the complexity,” Neira explained.
Geovannie Gone, executive director of the Immunize Kansas Coalition, emphasized economic challenges faced by Hispanic families, particularly those in industries like agriculture and meatpacking. “Many cannot afford the high insurance premiums offered by employers,” Gone pointed out. “This leaves a substantial portion of the population, especially mothers, uninsured despite potential eligibility for Medicaid for their children.”
Cultural factors also play a role, according to Gone, with Hispanic communities often relying on traditional self-care methods before seeking professional medical help. However, she cautioned against generalizations, noting diversity within the Latino community and varied perspectives on healthcare.
Christina Pacheco, from the University of Kansas Medical Center, highlighted that newcomers to the U.S. often prioritize short-term health needs over long-term insurance commitments, influenced by their health status and intentions regarding permanent residency.
Justin Gust, vice president of community engagement at El Centro, underscored the bureaucratic challenges faced by non-native English speakers in enrolling for health insurance through the ACA marketplace. He stressed that fears related to immigration status deter many from seeking coverage.
Addressing these disparities, experts suggested culturally sensitive approaches to healthcare education and enrollment to better serve Hispanic communities in Kansas.
