Experts: Racism at root of public health gap between whites, people of color

Abstract: Based on private insurance vs. Medicare and Medicaid, “hospitals are put in the position where they are revenue-seeking organizations,” said Vikas Saini, president of the Lown Institute. “The way we’ve structured our health care system, there are more financial incentives and financial rewards … if you focus on elective procedures, people that are relatively healthier.” He said some large health systems discourage caring for Medicare and Medicaid patients. The financial losses hospital-based systems suffered because of the COVID pandemic were “a shock to the system,” Saini said. “They need to rethink their business models. They need to partner with their communities in making the case that reimbursements ought to be changed. … COVID-19 shows that hospitals really are essential partners in every community.”