Cost, access still barriers to medical care for Black Ohio women [Video]

The following article was originally published in the Ohio Capital Journal and published on News5Cleveland.com under a content-sharing agreement.

A recent study recommended increases in Medicaid eligibility and other legislative measures to help improve health care outcomes and access for Black women in Ohio, while still spotlighting fears of discrimination among women seeking care.

The survey and analysis from Policy Matters Ohio found a vast majority of women have a primary care doctor, but many had concerns about the costs of testing and medication, along with concerns about feeling comfortable with a medical provider.

Based on data collected between January and June of this year from more than 500 Black women in Ohio, the study found 47.7% of women surveyed “reported feeling discriminated against based on race,” and 40% of participants “had concerns about finding a medical provider that their family felt comfortable visiting.”

Specific statements from those taking the survey described the health care system as “frustrating” with women saying they felt it necessary to advocate for themselves, …