PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — High-quality health care is not distributed equally. Study after study has shown that there can be a devastating impact for people who are denied access to health care and effective treatments.
Medical professionals working to eliminate health care disparities may find themselves tripping over a road block coming right around the corner.
Ironically, the decision to end the COVID-19 public health emergency may make the problem worse — especially when it comes to vaccines.
After May 11, Medicare beneficiaries and those enrolled in Medicaid, as well as people with Affordable Care Act coverage, will get COVID-19 vaccines without cost sharing. In addition, many people who have employer-based health insurance will also have the vaccine benefit.
However, Americans with no insurance, or limited benefit or short term insurance, will be made to pay out of pocket. Public health experts are concerned that these people will make the financial decision to go without protection of a vaccine — which will become a larger problem as the virus continues to mutate.
Get more medical reports from Dr. Brian McDonough.
KYW Newsradio’s Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.