Manatt Health Director Kevin McAvey discussed the importance of collecting accurate race and ethnicity data as the health care industry moves to ensure greater health equity with HealthPayerIntelligence. The publication pointed out that many payers lack the sophistication to accurately collect this data and recognize certain communities are often hesitant to share this information. In a recent white paper prepared in partnership with Blue Shield of California, McAvey outlined the hefty amount of work required to truly collect new data elements that are reflective of the diversity of our population and the varied needs that those populations have. “That extends well beyond what we are approaching in this paper to include language, sexual orientation, and gender identity,” he added.