OHIO — A recent report shows many of Ohio’s Black women worry about health insurance affordability, discrimination and other issues when seeking health care.

What You Need To Know

  • The study asked more than 500 Black women in Ohio questions about health care access, costs and perceived discrimination

  • Many respondents said they don't see care due to high costs, whether it be for tests or medications

  • Policy Matters Ohio made a slew of recommendations to improve health care access for Black women in Ohio

In Ohio, Black women made up 13% of women ages 18 to 64, according to the U.S. Census Bureau from data collected in 2022.  

The study from Policy Matters Ohio collected information between January and June of 2024 from more than 500 Black women. They were questioned on access to services, barriers to care they may experience, financial stress associated with health care costs and perceived discrimination.

Here’s what the study found.

Navigating the health care system

When asked to describe their experiences of Ohio’s health care system as a woman of color, there were mixed responses. Some women said they thought the state’s health care system was good, whereas others described it as “frustrating.” Among the responses, some said they feel they need to advocate for themselves.

Of the respondents, 43% said they agreed or strongly agreed that they have no issues finding a provider. However, 40% agreed or strongly disagreed.

Here are some of the responses from the study:

“I have most trouble finding Black female doctors. I sometimes feel doctors do not listen or take me as seriously about pain levels and my preference for non-invasive procedures and non-use of synthetic medicines. They don't often explore those options.”

“Fortunately, I currently have decent insurance and now on Medicare with a supplement. I have attentive doctors who listens to me, answers my questions and encourage questions. I’ve learned to be my own health advocate.”

The study also found that while almost 88% of women have a primary care doctor, more than 70% said they have a hard time getting appointments within two weeks when they’re sick.

Health care costs

Almost 95% of the respondents had health care insurance, which lines up with the percentage of the general population that’s covered.

However, just nearly 50% of respondents said the cost of health insurance was affordable, and 38% said it’s unaffordable. Respondents said it’s because of high co-pays, increased out-of-pocket costs and medication costs.

 

Additionally, the study found that the reason many people tend to delay or avoid health care services is because of the costs, especially for tests, visits and medications.

Overall, a little over 56% of respondents said they are stressed out from medical debt.

Policy Matters Ohio recommended the state to expand Medicaid services to pregnant women, continue to invest in programs that address health determinants in specific communities and to fund Black-led public health and birthing programs, declare racism as a public health crisis and more.

“For Black women in Ohio, health care services are often inaccessible or unaffordable,” Policy Matters Ohio wrote in the study. “They frequently face discrimination in the health care system and, too often, receive care that is not as timely, targeted, or effective as the care received by other Ohioans. Addressing these issues requires collaborative efforts from health care providers, policymakers, and community stakeholders.”