Disparities in Infectious Disease-Related Health Care Utilization Between Medicaid-Enrolled American Indians and Non-Hispanic Whites—Lessons from the First 16 Months of Coronavirus Disease 2019 and a Decade of Flu Seasons

This study investigates disparities in healthcare utilization related to infectious diseases among Medicaid-enrolled American Indians and non-Hispanic Whites. Drawing on data from the first 16 months of the COVID-19 pandemic and a decade of seasonal influenza experience, the authors compare patterns of healthcare use across populations to better understand inequities in access, treatment, and health outcomes. The findings highlight persistent disparities in infectious disease burden and healthcare utilization, underscoring the importance of culturally responsive healthcare delivery, targeted public health interventions, and policies aimed at reducing health inequities affecting Indigenous populations.