High-Minority Nursing Homes Disproportionately Affected by COVID-19 Deaths

Racial/ethnic disparities in healthcare have been highlighted by the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Using the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' Nursing Home COVID-19 Public File, this study examined the relationship between nursing home racial/ethnic mix and COVID-19 resident mortality. As of October 25, 2020, high minority nursing homes reported 6.5 COVID-19 deaths as compared to 2.6 deaths for nursing homes that had no racial/ethnic minorities. After controlling for interstate differences, facility-level resident characteristics, resource availability, and organizational characteristics, high-minority nursing homes had 61% more COVID-19 deaths [Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR) = 1.61; p < 0.001] as compared to nursing facilities with no minorities. From a policy perspective, nursing homes, that serve primarily minority populations, may need additional resources, such as, funding for staffing and personal protective equipment in the face of the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has sharpened the focus on healthcare disparities and societal inequalities in the delivery of long-term care.

Automated summary

Racial/ethnic disparities in healthcare were highlighted by COVID-19, with high-minority nursing homes showing a 61% increase in COVID-19 deaths compared to facilities with no minorities. Policy implications suggest additional resources are needed for nursing homes serving minority populations to improve pandemic response capabilities. The pandemic has brought attention to healthcare disparities and societal inequalities in long-term care delivery.