A recent study by the Houston-based Episcopal Health Foundation highlights significant healthcare access issues for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) in Texas. Nearly half of this community is struggling to obtain necessary medical services, with many avoiding care due to high costs.
Case Study: Rita Hirani
Rita Hirani, a 44-year-old of Indian descent living in Euless, exemplifies the struggles faced by many in the AAPI community. Despite working part-time at a beauty salon, Hirani is uninsured and suffers from hypertension, requiring regular medication and checkups that she cannot afford. She relies on low-cost services from the Al-Shifa Medical Clinic at the Muslim Community Center for Human Services in Richland Hills, established in 1995 to aid individuals in similar situations.
Study Findings
The study, conducted in 2023, surveyed nearly 2,000 AAPI Texans. It revealed that more than 40% of AAPI residents face difficulties affording healthcare, with over a third skipping regular checkups due to barriers such as:
- Lack of public transportation
- Low-paying jobs
- Cultural misunderstandings
Shao-Chee Sim, vice president of health policy, research, and strategic partnerships for the Episcopal Health Foundation, stressed the importance of further research and policy development to address these issues.
Population Growth and Healthcare Needs
Texas’ AAPI population, currently at approximately 1.8 million, is expected to double by 2036, making it the fastest-growing demographic in the state. Texas ranks third in the U.S. for the size of its AAPI population, behind California and New York. In Dallas, AAPI residents make up about 7% of the population, with nearly 200,000 individuals.
Barriers to Preventive Care
Community leaders emphasize the need for increased education and outreach. Ofa Faiva-Siale from the Euless Tongan Community Committee highlighted the cultural tendencies that delay medical consultations until conditions become severe. She advocates for more education on preventive care, particularly for those with health insurance.
Comparative Struggles Across Communities
The healthcare access issue is not unique to the AAPI community. According to another Episcopal Health Foundation study:
- 62% of Hispanic Texans and 55% of Black Texans face healthcare affordability challenges.
- 44% of White Texans report similar issues.
The rising cost of healthcare is a statewide concern, with medical care prices increasing by 2.2% from March 2023 to March 2024, contributing to the decision of some individuals to remain uninsured to avoid paycheck deductions.
Uninsurance Rates
The study reports uninsurance rates among different groups:
- 21.4% of Texas’ Pacific Islanders are uninsured.
- 8.7% of Asian Americans are uninsured.
- 16.5% of all Texans are uninsured, the highest rate in the U.S.
Income Disparities
In Dallas, Asian Americans have the second-highest median full-time income at $54,410 annually, while Black and Hispanic residents have significantly lower median incomes at $33,956 and $28,212, respectively.
Conclusion
The study underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve healthcare access for the AAPI community in Texas. Addressing these barriers through policy changes, education, and community support is crucial as the population continues to grow and healthcare costs rise.