There will be many painful lessons to learn from this pandemic, not the least of which is that it pays to be white. Minorities have borne the brunt of COVID-19 related burdens. Deaths from the virus are three times higher for Black and Hispanic Americans compared to Caucasians. Indigenous Americans fare even worse.
Spiraling healthcare costs are a frequent scapegoat. Communities of color often lack health insurance and can’t afford pricey medical treatments that proactively manage illness. Lowering healthcare costs will — we are told — reduce racial disparities in health. I doubt it. Lower prices may nudge America’s poor towards using health services but the ability to do so ultimately hinges on getting around.
Every year, more than three million Americans miss or delay non-emergency medical care due to inadequate transportation access. Existing mobility options are — for many struggling Americans — less than ideal. Owning a car is pricey. Riding the bus takes too long (assuming it shows up at all).
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