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Abstract:
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The racial gap in health status and mortality between African Americans and whites, controlling for socioeconomic status (SES), is evidence that the goal of racial equality has yet to be realized in America. This study examines how race and SES interact to affect access to primary care, which may contribute to this health status disparity. Using 2003 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data, this study examines evidence for a racial gap in utilization of primary care visits. I also explore the interaction between race and socioeconomic status to see if the existence and size of the racial gap in the use of primary care varies by socioeconomic status. I find no racial gap for low SES individuals, but employed blacks may be slightly more likely than employed whites to utilize primary care. These results suggest a need for further research, particularly to explore how this increased utilization of care does not translate into improved health status for blacks. |