A new report from AARP Illinois details how Illinois’ aging population faces significant disparities in access to health care and how those disparities are exacerbated on racial lines and by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The report, “Disrupt Disparities: Challenges & Solutions for 50+ Illinoisans of Color,” was developed in partnership with Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Chicago, the Chicago Urban League, and the Resurrection Project.
AARP Illinois President Rosanna Marquez provided an overview of the report to partners and media Monday. Joining her were also Sen. Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago), Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago), and Rep. Theresa Mah (D-Chicago).
Senior Illinoisans of color in the state are much more likely to suffer from chronic diseases and more likely to not have health insurance before becoming eligible for Medicare. They often also lack reliable transportation to health care providers and pharmacies, with White Illinoisans three times more likely to have access to a car.
Older Illinoisans of color were also twice as likely to still have mortgages on their homes and spend a disproportionately higher amount of their total income on housing overall. Those living on a fixed income must also deal with increasing costs of living while seeing no additional income.
Regarding the pandemic, Marquez said a disproportionate amount of vaccine doses administered so far have gone toward white individuals instead of others. Additionally, African American adults over 50 make up 18 percent of COVID-19 deaths despite making up 12.5 percent of the population. Hispanic Illinoisans make up 15 percent of the deaths despite making up just 8.6 percent of the population of the state.
“While heartbreaking, these statistics are not surprising. They are evidence of long-standing inequities from the social conditions that lead to poor health, to unequal access to quality care, to limited economic resources, all of which have existed for years,” she said.
Additionally, she explained that the process for scheduling a vaccination appointment is especially difficult for seniors.
“We know that there's a digital divide issue; we've talked about connectivity. Many of our elders are not computer literate. … Many don’t have computers, and they don’t have a child or grandchild in the house to help them navigate the system,” she said.
The report proposed several policy recommendations that would help assist older Illinoisans financially, including expanding the Secure Choice program to smaller businesses, allowing employees to enroll in a Roth IRA; expanding the state earned income tax credit; and providing property tax relief for older Illinoisans who are often on a fixed income.
On health issues, the report recommends expanding income-based health insurance options for residents 50 to 64 years old, expanding telehealth programs, and expanding long-term investment in health equity models and community-based health care organizations.
The report also recommends making the Illinois Broadband Council more representative of the racial make-up of the state and expanding broadband infrastructure in communities of color. Collins and others said they are in the process of filing legislation to address these issues and working with the AARP on bill language.
Allison Richard
Legislative Consultant
