Healthcare discrimination leads many Minnesotans to delay or avoid care

July 20, 2026 - 14:06

Nearly half of Minnesotans who took part in a recent state survey say they have faced discrimination when trying to get medical care. The findings, released by state health officials, point to a troubling pattern where bias based on race, income, disability, or gender identity leads people to delay or completely avoid needed treatment.

The survey asked thousands of residents about their experiences with doctors, nurses, and clinic staff. About 46 percent of respondents reported at least one instance of unfair treatment in a healthcare setting. Among those who said they were treated poorly, many described being dismissed, not believed, or given less attention than other patients. Others said they were denied services or given lower quality care because of who they are.

The consequences go beyond hurt feelings. People who reported discrimination were far more likely to skip checkups, ignore symptoms, or put off filling prescriptions. Some said they no longer trust medical professionals and now only seek care for emergencies. This avoidance can lead to worse health outcomes over time, including late-stage diagnoses of treatable conditions.

State health leaders say the data confirms what many community advocates have long warned about. They are now pushing for more training for medical staff on cultural competency and implicit bias. Some clinics are also starting to collect better data on patient experiences to track where problems are worst. But advocates argue that without systemic changes in how care is funded and delivered, the distrust will only grow.

The survey did not break down results by specific regions or hospitals, but it did show that discrimination affects people across all age groups and backgrounds. Younger adults and those in rural areas reported slightly higher rates of unfair treatment. The full report is expected to guide new policies aimed at making healthcare more equitable across the state.