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Congresswoman Angie Craig Convenes Health Professionals to Discuss Inequities in Our Health Care Systems

July 7, 2020

Today, U.S. Rep. Angie Craig hosted public health experts from the University of Minnesota and community health clinics as well as county public health officials and hospital leadership to talk about the need to address health inequities.

"I was honored to be joined by public health experts across the Second District today for a discussion on how to address geographic disparities and racial disparities within our health care system," said Rep. Craig. "It's clear - there are connections between rural health disparities and racial health disparities. COVID-19 testing must be free to everyone, health insurance must be more accessible by becoming more affordable and we've got to increase cultural care in our providers."

During today's discussion, the following recommendations to address the inequities that exist in our health care system

  • Overall, there is a need to broaden the conversation from the cost of health insurance to the cost of health care.
  • There must be increased transparency and consistency in data, which would allow for racial and socioeconomic inequities to be more clearly identified to be addressed.
  • Any future vaccine for COVID-19 must be available to everyone, and a plan that addresses inequities in distribution should be developed now.
  • We must increase Black and Hispanic representation in the medical profession.
  • Telemedicine, including virtual and telephonic visits, must be more available to residents and eligible for reimbursement. For folks in rural areas without broadband access, the ability to connect with healthcare providers via telephone is critical.