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Racial Inequalities in Health and Social Policy: Examining the Relationship Between Medicaid Spending and Self-assessed Health Among Poor Single Mothers

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Greater average state Medicaid spending is associated with better self-rated health for poor single mothers. This relationship is stronger for poor, Black single mothers than poor, White or Latina single mothers. Spending variation by state generates substantial spatial inequalities in health. States with larger Black populations spend less, creating a mismatch between effectiveness and implementation.

Source: Demography

DOI: 10.1215/00703370-12908899

Author: Amie Bostic

Institution: The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Language: English

Topic: Healthcare Policy and Management

Subfield: Economics and Econometrics

Field: Economics, Econometrics and Finance

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Good health and well-being, No poverty

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,750