Three major factors in the inequality of health care for Blacks are Institutional Racism, Economic Inequality, and Access Barriers. These three factors are often the backbone that strengthens the differences in health care between Blacks and Whites. If African Americans cannot overcome these three factors, then iniquitous health care will continue to be delivered in the United States. An example of institutional racism would be the difference in admission policies for Blacks and Whites. For example, Melba Beals writes that she was not given the proper care as a newborn simply because of the color of her skin.
Economic inequality expresses itself in many ways.
From not having a job to having a job with poor health benefits, lack of employment drastically influences health care. According to Jones and Rice, Black families are more likely to have a history of unemployment than White families. This is a precursor to poorer health care for these unemployed persons and their families. When these families have low incomes, they are likely to live in environments that are not healthy, thus increasing their chances for health problems. Tracing back for over 100 years, the fear of racism has led to the lack of health care for many African Americans.