COVID-19, Unemployment Impact on Cancer Outcomes for African Americans

Photo by Hush Naidoo on Unsplash

During this pandemic, the unemployment rate for African-Americans has reached nearly 20% in March.  With this group having the highest proportion holding low-wage jobs, this statistic can have a devastating impact on health outcomes.  In 2017, nearly 10% of African Americans were uninsured, the numbers are likely to climb during this pandemic.  A new study, shows that disruptions in health insurance coverage can have a devastating impact on cancer care and outcomes.  African-Americans already have the highest rates of cancer incidents than any other racial group.  

Due to a lack of coverage, uninsured have lower cancer screenings and critical delays in treatment result in poor cancer outcomes that disproportionately impact African-Americans.  Sara Collins provides options to secure health insurance for unemployed.  This insurance coverage can be secured if you are laid off or face another type of employment disruption due to COVID-19, to include COBRA, the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid.  Some states have even opened special enrollment periods.