Insuring Equity Study

In the US, systematic economic and social disadvantages negatively impact certain groups of people resulting in higher risk for poorer health outcomes and lower quality of life for these groups. These health inequities contribute to vast, nationwide economic burdens. The intersection of insuring healthcare in the US and ensuring health equity sets the stage for the challenges explored in this research proposal. With the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services launching a Stars Health Equity Index to measure and reward health insurer performance for quality ratings within higher social risk factor populations, this shows the critical role that health insurers can play in advancing health equity and lowering costs across the broader US healthcare system. This research study can help provide critical insights about how health insurers can play a significant and effective role in advancing and ensuring health equity.