OBJECTIVES: Racial/ethnic disparities in the burden and treatment of diabetes are not unknown in the US. This study aimed to examine individual economic burden and its impact on use of preventive care among people with diabetes in the US. METHODS: This cross-sectional study analyzed the 2012 household component of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). Individual economic burden was defined as out-of-pocket (OOP) expense relative to the total health care expenditure (THE). OOP shares in medical care and prescriptions were calculated as the percentage of annual self-paid cost out of total expenditure in respective category. OOP shares were reported and compared between three populations: Hispanics, non-Hispanic whites, non-Hispanic blacks. Estimates were weighted to the total American non-institutionalized population (WTP). Logistic regression models were employed to assess the association of OOP share and receipt of eye exam that is recommended by guidelines. RESULTS: CONCLUSIONS: Being socio-economic disadvantaged, minority groups may not afford medical care, yet be more likely to face catastrophic health expenditure. Diminishing disparities in health care is not only a right thing to do, but also improves efficiencies of resources allocation on health care.