As these demographic changes continue, the delivery of health care will have to change to ensure health equity and the elimination of health disparities, which currently impact underrepresented populations… The fastest-growing demographics are baby boomers, racial and ethnic minorities, and vulnerable groups like those living in poverty, sexual and gender minorities, and individuals with disabilities.

For example, populations that tend to neglect health care until chronic diseases and mental health disorders become severe are more costly to treat than preventive care would have been. Such groups tend to experience higher rates and greater severity of chronic disease, lack of access to and a distrust of health care resources, and the inability to afford health insurance.

ethnic minorities — population groups with a shared culture, tradition, religion, language, history, or other factor who live in communities or areas where most people are from a different ethnic…. health disparities — preventable differences in the burden of disease, injury, violence, or opportunities to achieve optimal health that are experienced by socially disadvantaged populations. underrepresented populations — subgroups within a population—often identified by race, ethnicity, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status—whose representation in society is…. health care consumer — recipient of health services, whether those services are paid for or provided at no cost.