Minority Health Care Issues:
American Indians/Alaska Natives

• Significantly increased incidence of chronic diseases such as diabetes and CKD
• Highest rate of mental distress compared with other ethnic/racial groups
• Less likely to have health insurance than other groups
• Least amount paid on health per user
• Diverse populations encompassing a multitude of tribes
• Challenges with rural access to care
• Less likely to ask questions of doctors-more difficulty understanding and communicating with health care professionals
• More likely to be treated with disrespect by health care professions