Listening to Black Californians with Disabilities – California Health Care Foundation

Approximately one in five Listening to Black Californians survey respondents (19%) reports having a “disability of any type (such as mobility, cognitive, visual, or sensory).” Reports of disabilities among Black Californians rise markedly after age 55, with more than half of respondents (54%) age 55 or older reporting disabilities. Two in five Black Californians with disabilities (42%) have incomes below 200% of the federal poverty level, compared to one in four (26%) of those without a disability. Black Californians with disabilities are more likely than those without them to be covered by Medi-Cal (30% vs. 20%) or Medicare (32% vs. 14%) and less likely to be covered by private insurance (34% vs. 64%). Black Californians with disabilities experience high rates of both serious physical health conditions (65%) and mental health conditions (48%). The Takeaway Black Californians with disabilities regularly receive health care and engage in health-seeking behaviors. Yet they often face discrimination or poor treatment when seeking care. Policymakers and health care providers should recognize and address the many challenges that Black Californians with disabilities face when seeking and receiving health care. Key Findings Black Californians with Disabilities Frequently Interact with the Health System While Tending to Their Health Black...