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Improving Private Health Insurance Networks for Communities of Color

By Claire McAndrew, ,

08.25.2014

Having health insurance is a key step to obtaining health care. But insurance alone does not guarantee that consumers will have meaningful access to care. People of color, in particular, may continue to face barriers to health care—including access to health providers that can meet their needs.

To help address these obstacles, the provider networks created by private health insurers should be adequate—ensuring that consumers of color can get the right care, at the right time, in a language they understand, without having to travel unreasonably far.

Read our new issue brief (PDF) to learn about:

  • The ideal components of a health insurance provider network that meets the needs of people of color
  • Examples of policies from states to help ensure that private insurance networks are adequate for communities of color
  • Strategies for advocates to use to put these policies in place