By Shawn Murphy

Ensuring equal access to healthcare for everyone, regardless of discrimination, is a fundamental human right. The United States faces a healthcare crisis where the cost of accessing crucial medical treatments poses financial barriers for many individuals and families.

This issue particularly affects those marginalized by socio-economic status, geographic location, race, gender identity, sexual orientation and immigration status. Recognizing healthcare as a basic human right rather than a partisan issue is essential for progress.

According to a recent report by the Kaiser Family Foundation, nearly 50% of adults in the U.S. reported difficulty affording healthcare costs, highlighting a pervasive barrier to access. One in four adults reported that they or a family member had trouble paying for healthcare in the past year. Additionally, high prescription drug costs lead many to skip doses or avoid filling prescriptions altogether.

The financial burden is especially heavy on marginalized groups. Lower-income households and uninsured individuals are disproportionately affected. For example, 61% of uninsured adults have skipped or delayed care due to costs. Healthcare debt is also prevalent, with 41% of adults reporting debt related to medical or dental bills.

Moreover, many insured adults struggle with out-of-pocket costs. Nearly half worry about affording their monthly premiums and a significant portion rate their insurance poorly regarding affordability. This widespread financial strain underscores the urgent need for policy interventions to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for all.

The role of AI, big data and telemedicine
Artificial intelligence (AI) and big data are revolutionizing healthcare by providing more efficient and personalized care. AI can analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns and predict health outcomes, enabling early intervention and precise treatments.

For example, machine learning algorithms can predict patient deterioration in real-time, enabling timely medical responses that could save lives. Big data also plays a crucial role in identifying healthcare disparities and targeting interventions more effectively. By analyzing electronic health records and social determinants of health (SDoH), big data promotes public health equity and supports more informed decision-making in healthcare.

Telemedicine bridges the gap between patients and healthcare providers, particularly in rural or remote areas where there limited access to care. Virtual care enables patients to receive medical consultations wherever they reside, providing access to physicians and providers who can diagnose and treat remotely,

During the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth ensured continuity of care while minimizing virus transmission, and effectively managed chronic diseases, provided mental health support and allowed follow-up consultations.

Enhancing patient engagement with digital health tools
Digital health tools, such as patient portals and mobile health applications, empower patients by providing easy access to medical records, appointment scheduling and direct communication with healthcare providers. These tools foster an engaged and informed patient population, leading to better health outcomes and more efficient use of resources.

For example, patient portals help people to track their health progress, receive preventive care reminders and access tailored educational materials. These opportunities encourage proactive self-management and reduce the onset of preventable diseases.

Addressing social determinants of health
Addressing SDoH such as housing, education and employment, is crucial for influencing health outcomes. Technology provides data-driven insights and facilitates targeted interventions.

Mobile health clinics with telemedicine capabilities can reach underserved populations, providing essential healthcare services directly within their communities. Health information exchanges (HIEs) enable seamless sharing of patient data across different healthcare systems, ensuring coordinated and comprehensive care. By integrating SDoH into these exchanges, providers can develop holistic care plans addressing both medical and social needs.

Policy and governance for health equity
Effective policies and governance are crucial for promoting health equity and ensuring quality healthcare for all individuals. Policymakers must prioritize developing and implementing policies that address marginalized communities' unique needs. This includes expanding government-sponsored coverage, regulating healthcare costs and supporting initiatives that promote preventive care and health screenings.

The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that health is a fundamental human right, and governments must ensure their citizens achieve the highest attainable standard of health. Aligning health policies with this principle can create a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system.

Community collaboratives and partnerships play a vital role in addressing local health issues and advancing health equity. By bringing together stakeholders from various sectors, including healthcare, education and social services, these collaboratives can develop comprehensive strategies to improve community health outcomes.

Initiatives focusing on providing affordable housing, nutritious food and educational opportunities can significantly impact overall health and well-being. Engaging community members in decision-making ensures interventions are culturally appropriate and responsive to the population's specific needs. This collaborative approach fosters trust and empowers communities to take an active role in their health.

Adequate funding and resources are essential for the success of health equity initiatives. Governments, philanthropic organizations and private sector partners must invest in programs that address healthcare disparities, address unmet healthcare needs and support underserved populations. This includes funding for telemedicine infrastructure, AI research and community health programs.

By prioritizing health equity in resource allocation, stakeholders can create a more just and inclusive healthcare system. Ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances, have access to quality healthcare is not only a moral imperative but also a practical necessity for a healthier society.

Advancing health equity through technology and policy
Integrating technology in healthcare can resolve many barriers to healthcare access, protecting and promoting healthcare access for all individuals -- particularly for marginalized communities. By leveraging AI, big data, telemedicine and digital health tools, we can create a more equitable and efficient healthcare system.

Moreover, developing and implementing equitable health policies, fostering community collaborations and securing adequate funding are essential steps toward achieving health equity. As healthcare professionals, it is our responsibility to advocate for and work towards a future where everyone can achieve their highest possible health standard.

About the author: Shawn Murphy is the Board Vice President for the Thought Leadership and & Innovation Foundation. She is an experienced leader and certified Project Management Professional with an impressive history of driving organizational growth in information technology and services industries. Passionate about improving the human condition, she implements innovative ideas to improve patient care and education within communities. With her leadership and guidance, she has managed health information technology and financial management programs for the Department of Defense (DoD), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), National Institutes of Health (NIH) and commercial enterprises. Shawn’s work in commercial satellite communications, telecommunications, clinical support systems, medical logistics, and financial industries is testimony to her ability to leverage new, advanced technologies. A consummate project management specialist, she uses best practices to implement enterprise-level business process transformation, manage inter-agency systems interoperability, cybersecurity and software integration programs.