Rising Costs Worsen Black Health

Over the past decade, several essential items crucial for maintaining public health have experienced significant price increases. These rising costs—particularly in healthcare, prescription medications, food, housing, and childcare—have placed a heavy burden on many American families. The newly elected President, Donald Trump, campaigned on a promise to lower grocery costs but now states, “It’s hard to bring things down once they’re up. You know, it’s very hard.” This comment has sparked outrage among many Americans.

However, Black Americans have been disproportionately affected by these rising costs, compounded by lower wages and a persistent wage gap within the community. For many, this economic strain extends beyond basic needs, making it even difficult to cover the costs of copays for insurance and access necessary healthcare services. As barriers to economic and healthcare access grow, these financial pressures exacerbate the widening health disparities between Black Americans and other populations. Let’s take a look at five key items that have seen substantial price increases over the past decade and their impact on the health of our community.

1. Healthcare Costs

Healthcare costs have risen sharply over the last decade, making it harder for many Americans, particularly Black individuals, to access necessary care. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the average annual premium for family coverage increased by 36% from 2014 to 2023, from $16,351 to $22,221. This increase in healthcare premiums is particularly problematic for Black Americans, who are more likely to be uninsured or underinsured compared to their white counterparts. As a result, many are forced to forgo preventive care, routine check-ups, or critical treatments, exacerbating existing health issues.

Black Americans already experience higher rates of chronic conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. Without access to affordable healthcare, these conditions often go unmanaged, leading to worse outcomes and higher rates of hospitalization. Health insurance premiums, high deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs only exacerbate these disparities, creating a vicious cycle of poor health outcomes for many Black families.

2. Prescription Medications

The rising cost of prescription medications has also disproportionately affected Black Americans. Insulin, which is essential for individuals with diabetes, has seen a dramatic increase in price over the past decade. According to reports, the price of insulin has doubled during this period, making it unaffordable for many people living with diabetes. Black Americans are at higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes, and without access to affordable insulin, they are more likely to experience serious health complications, including amputations, heart disease, and kidney failure.

According to Vox article, “Can We Solve the EpiPen Cost Crisis?”, the cost of EpiPens have skyrocketed from approximately $95-$600 over the past decade. EpiPen (epinephrine) is a prescription combination of a drug and device used for the emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. It comes in a prefilled injection pen, designed for injection into the thigh.

The rising costs of other essential medications, such as those for hypertension and asthma, have also hit Black communities hard. Many of these conditions disproportionately affect Black Americans, and the inability to afford necessary medications contributes to worsening health disparities. For instance, Black Americans have higher rates of uncontrolled hypertension, a leading cause of heart disease and stroke, which can be prevented with proper medication and monitoring.

When medications are unaffordable, Black individuals are more likely to skip doses, reduce their intake, or go without necessary prescriptions. This behavior leads to worsening health outcomes and places an additional strain on the healthcare system, as emergency care becomes necessary for conditions that could have been prevented.

3. Food Prices

The rising cost of food, particularly healthy foods, has a profound impact on Black Americans, many of whom live in food deserts where access to fresh produce and nutritious options is limited. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the price of fresh fruits and vegetables increased by 24% and 18%, respectively, from 2013 to 2023. This price hike makes it even harder for low-income households—who are disproportionately Black—to afford healthy food.

In contrast, processed foods, which are often high in sugar, fats, and salt, have become more affordable. These cheaper, unhealthy options contribute to rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease within Black communities. Research consistently shows that Black Americans face higher rates of these chronic diseases, which are exacerbated by poor nutrition, lack of access to healthy foods, and lower food security.

Rising food prices and food insecurity also affect children in Black households. With less access to nutritious food, children are at risk for developmental issues, malnutrition, and higher rates of obesity. These early health disparities often continue into adulthood, perpetuating cycles of poor health within the community.

4. Housing Costs

The rising cost of housing is one of the most pressing challenges facing Black Americans today. From 2013 to 2023, the median price of homes in the U.S. doubled, rising from about $200,000 to over $400,000. At the same time, average rent prices increased by as much as 25% to 40% in major cities. For Black Americans, who already face significant barriers to homeownership due to a long history of discriminatory housing policies, the rising cost of housing has exacerbated financial strain.

Black renters are particularly vulnerable to the effects of rising rent. According to a 2021 report from the National Community Reinvestment Coalition, Black renters are more likely than white renters to be cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of their income on rent. Housing instability leads to a range of negative health outcomes, including stress, mental health issues, and increased risk for chronic conditions like hypertension and heart disease.

Additionally, housing instability is closely linked to homelessness, which disproportionately affects Black Americans. Homelessness exposes individuals to a range of health risks, from infectious diseases to mental health challenges, and increases the likelihood of long-term health complications.

5. Childcare Costs

The rising cost of childcare is another major challenge for Black Americans, particularly for low-income families. According to the Economic Policy Institute, the average cost of infant daycare in the U.S. increased by 50% from 2012 to 2022. In 2022, the annual cost of daycare for an infant was approximately $12,000. For Black families, this expense is particularly burdensome, as they are more likely to have lower household incomes and fewer financial resources.

High childcare costs place additional stress on Black parents, particularly single mothers, who are forced to balance work, caregiving, and financial responsibilities. This stress, coupled with the financial burden of childcare, can negatively affect mental health. Furthermore, when families cannot afford quality childcare, their children are deprived of opportunities for early childhood education, which is critical for cognitive and social development.

Black children, in particular, stand to benefit from early childhood education programs, which have been shown to reduce achievement gaps and improve long-term academic and social outcomes. Without access to affordable childcare, these children may face developmental setbacks, further perpetuating cycles of disadvantage and health disparities.

Managing Rising Costs

The rising costs of healthcare, prescription medications, food, housing, and childcare have significantly impacted Black Americans, contributing to health disparities and financial strain. As the cost of these essentials continues to rise, Black communities face increased barriers to accessing the resources they need to maintain their health and well-being. Without intervention to reduce these costs and improve access to essential services, these disparities will only worsen. Here are 3 ways to manage rising costs:

1. Preventive Care and Health Education: Focusing on preventive care and health education can help avoid costly health issues and empower healthier lifestyle choices.

2. Assistance Programs and Insurance Resources: Enrolling in government assistance programs and reviewing health insurance options can reduce out-of-pocket costs for essential services.

3. Cost-Effective Alternatives: Exploring cheaper options like generic medications, bulk buying, or community health centers can help manage rising costs for health-related essentials.

With these efforts we can hope to improve health outcomes and reduce the public health inequities that disproportionately affect our community.

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