Major Healthcare Shifts Ahead: From DEI to Drug Prices, What’s Changing?

As an organization dedicated to the health and wellness of Black women, we feel it’s crucial to address the recent executive orders that could affect our community’s access to healthcare and overall wellbeing.

What’s Changed?

Several executive orders that supported equity and expanded healthcare access have been rescinded. Of particular importance to our community are the reversals of:

Executive Order 13985 on Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities
Executive Order 14009 on Strengthening Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act
Executive Order 14070 on Continuing to Strengthen Americans’ Access to Affordable, Quality Health Coverage
Executive Order 14087 on Lowering Prescription Drug Costs
Executive Order 13995 on Ensuring an Equitable Pandemic Response and Recovery

DEI Initiatives

When “Everyone’s Responsible” Means No One Is Accountable

The rollback of DEI initiatives reminds us of an important truth: when we make everyone generally responsible for fairness in healthcare, we often end up with no one specifically accountable for it. Here’s what this looks like in practice:

Without dedicated DEI offices, addressing healthcare disparities becomes “everyone’s job,” but no one’s priority
Removing specific equity goals from performance metrics means institutions lose concrete ways to measure progress
Eliminating dedicated positions means no one is specifically tasked with monitoring and addressing systemic barriers
Without formal programs, addressing bias in healthcare settings becomes optional rather than required

What’s Changing

Federal agencies have 60 days to terminate DEI offices and positions
Review and revision of federal employment practices
Changes to federal contractor requirements regarding DEI training
Elimination of equity-related grants and contracts

The connection between DEI programs and healthcare outcomes cannot be overstated. Research consistently shows that diverse healthcare teams lead to better patient outcomes for our community. Cultural competency in healthcare settings has proven crucial for building trust and improving communication between patients and providers. Additionally, representation in medical research is vital for ensuring treatments are effective for all communities, while DEI training has been instrumental in addressing implicit bias in medical settings that can affect quality of care.

These policy changes are particularly concerning given the persistent healthcare disparities in our community. Black women continue to face disproportionately higher maternal mortality rates, and chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes affect us at higher rates. Access to preventive care remains uneven across racial and ethnic lines, and studies consistently demonstrate that having doctors who look like us leads to better health outcomes.

The Numbers Tell Our Story

Right now, approximately 24 million Americans have health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA). For many Black women, who are often primary caregivers and healthcare decision-makers in our families, these coverage options have been crucial. The recent executive orders could significantly impact this coverage, with some analysts projecting up to a 25% reduction in ACA coverage due to the repeal of Executive Order 14009 alone.

Breaking Down the Changes

Let’s look at what’s specifically at stake:

Healthcare Coverage and Costs

The repeal of Executive Order 14009 could restrict access to expanded Medicaid benefits, particularly affecting families with young children
Changes to eligibility requirements and federal subsidies could make insurance less affordable
The American Rescue Plan Act’s subsidy program, which made premiums more affordable, is set to expire this year
Potential Medicaid funding cuts to states could limit program access

Maternal Health Concerns

One change that particularly affects our community is the repeal of Executive Order 14070, which had provided states with options to extend postpartum Medicaid coverage. As Black women face disproportionate maternal health risks, this change could have serious implications for new mothers in our community.

Reproductive Health Resources

We must also note that reproductiverights.gov, a vital source of information about reproductive healthcare access, has been taken down. However, you can still access this essential information through organizations like ours and other trusted healthcare advocacy groups. We’re committed to ensuring you have access to comprehensive reproductive health information and resources.

The Ripple Effects

Professor Sabrina Corlette from Georgetown University’s Center on Health Insurance Reforms points out some sobering consequences:

Higher premiums for those who maintain insurance
Increased risk of medical debt
Potential wage garnishment
Possible property liens due to unpaid medical bills

For our community, which has historically faced barriers to building generational wealth, these financial risks are particularly concerning.

What This Means for Black Women

These policy changes could disproportionately impact Black women in several ways:

Reduced access to preventive care
Higher out-of-pocket costs for essential medications
Limited options for maternal healthcare
Increased financial strain on families

Taking Action: What You Can Do Now

Protect Your Current Coverage
- Keep your existing insurance active
- Mark your calendar for renewal dates
- Document any changes in your coverage or costs
Know Your Rights
- Save documentation of all healthcare interactions
- Keep records of any coverage changes or denials
- Connect with patient advocacy organizations
Financial Planning
- Review your healthcare budget
- Explore all insurance options, including employer-sponsored plans
- Consider setting aside emergency funds for medical expenses
Community Resources
- Connect with local health advocacy groups
- Share information within your networks
- Support organizations like ours fighting for healthcare equity

Looking Forward

While these changes are concerning, remember that many healthcare protections remain in place through existing laws. The Black Women’s Health Imperative will continue to: