Barriers To Care Among Racial/Ethnic Groups Under Managed Care: Ethnic minorities continue to encounter barriers to care in the current managed care–dominated U.S. health care system.

Abstract

We describe barriers to care reported by racial/ethnic groups and explore the extent to which barriers vary between persons enrolled in managed care and those in non-managed care plans, using data from the 1996 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). Most respondents expressed satisfaction with their care; however, a substantial percentage reported experiencing barriers. Minorities, particularly Hispanics and Asian Americans, were more likely than non-Hispanic whites were to report barriers. Managed care enrollees across racial/ethnic groups faced different types of barriers than non-managed care enrollees did. Although managed care enrollees were more likely to report having a usual source of care and greater continuity of care, they also reported more difficulties obtaining care and less satisfaction with their care.