Minority populations are growing in Oklahoma and are expected to outnumber Caucasians by the year 2050.  Disparities in the quality of health care exist among minority and ethnic groups.  A number of contributing factors to gaps in care include language barriers, economic factors, limited access to health care and cultural influences.  Healthcare disparities are identified as a contributor to Oklahoma’s leading causes of death: heart disease, cancer, stroke, injury and diabetes.  

OFMQ works with healthcare providers to reduce health care disparities among minority and other underserved groups. We provide training and support tools to help doctors improve communcation with patients of different cultural backgrounds.  And we're working to help increase the level of preventive services that are much needed not just for minorities, but for all Medicare beneficiaries.