In March 2024, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) updated its standards for federal data collection on race and ethnicity, introducing significant changes like a new Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) category. These revisions aim to improve the accuracy and consistency of demographic data, which is essential for addressing health inequities, but effective implementation will require coordination with private-sector health plans and overcoming trust and system-related challenges. Click here for article.
The new OMB standards include a separate MENA category and promote self-reporting of racial and ethnic identity.
Federal agencies are required to implement these standards, which could enhance data consistency for Medicaid and Medicare enrollees, addressing health inequities.
Coordination with private-sector entities like health plans and employers is crucial for effective implementation of the new standards.
Trust in the health system and the proper use of data are essential for individuals to willingly share their demographic information, which is vital for reducing health disparities.
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