While nearly all Americans age 65 and older are covered by Medicare, their experiences seeking and receiving health care can vary significantly. Research shows that older Black and Latinx Medicare enrollees commonly experience racism when seeking care, report communication challenges with their providers, and have difficulty affording and accessing regular care. Other studies have found that patients who report discrimination are more likely to perceive their care as poor-quality. It’s also known that patients who feel disrespected by health care providers do not adhere as well to their treatment plan and have greater mistrust of health professionals. Conversely, patients who say their provider treats them with dignity are more likely to use preventive services. To read the full story.