Black American residents continue to face numerous disparities in health care, according to a new national study.
Released late last month, the 2026 State Health Disparities Report was published by the Commonwealth Fund. The study evaluated the health system’s performance from the years 2022 to 2024. Each demographic in the U.S. was analyzed.
The report’s findings confirmed that disparities existed in the health care system in numerous states including Arkansas, Mississippi, Oklahoma and West Virginia. States such as Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island also recorded several disparities despite having a comparatively strong health care system.
The Commonwealth Fund highlighted premature deaths as a significant issue. In states such as Michigan, Black citizens recorded a premature death rate of 519 people out of 100,000 people. The rate was similarly high amongst American Indian and Alaska Native citizens as they recorded a rate of 336.8 deaths per every 100,000 people.
The report also found that most Americans lack access to healthcare due to cost. While nearly 21% of Hispanic residents said that they did not go to the doctors because they did not have coverage, nearly 17% of AIIN residents and 14% of Black Americans reported the same.
“As a primary care physician, I’ve seen how racial and ethnic disparities not only harm the people experiencing them, but also weaken the entire system,” said the Commonwealth Fund president Joseph R. Betancourt in a news release. “Our report shows even high-performing states are not immune. But the truth is, when health systems look at where they’re falling short for their patients and make closing those gaps a real priority, they deliver better care for everyone.”
In their report, the Commonwealth Fund highlighted breast cancer specifically as a concern. Per the report, Black women are more likely to pass away from the disease despite recording higher screening rates.
Throughout the years, other reports have found that Black women are disproportionately affected.
Per the Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, the mortality rate for Black women with cancer is roughly around 42%. The rate of incidence is particularly high amongst Black women who are under the age of 40.
Black women were also more likely to be diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. This specific type of cancer is generally more aggressive and tends to have more fatal outcomes. The survival rate is approximately 78% for all stages combined.
To address disparities in healthcare, the Commonwealth Fund suggests expanding state access to Medicaid, medical debt relief, and nationwide health reform at the congressional level.
