Patient Care Access News

Racial Disparities in VA Appointment Wait Times Worsened Amid COVID-19

New research revealed that VA appointment wait times were longer for Black and Hispanic veterans than White veterans during COVID-19, highlighting steep racial disparities in patient care access.

A new study revealed racial health disparities for black and hispanic veterans.

Source: Getty Images

By Sarai Rodriguez

- Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Black and Hispanic veterans seeking medical care through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) were more likely to face longer VA appointment wait times. Recent data has shown that these disparities only worsened as the COVID-19 pandemic played out.

The study, containing data for more than one million veterans, examined the implications of COVID-19 disruptions and policy changes on veterans following the pandemic.

Extensive research has shown that the US Veterans Health Administration (VHA)—a branch of the VA that facilitates healthcare delivery for nearly nine million veterans—is not immune to care access challenges, which are notably worse for minority patients.