Double-Disadvantage of Race and Nativity in Health Insurance Coverage

• In Event: 402 - Section on Race, Gender, and Class Paper Session. Intersectionality and Health: The Embodiment and Expression of Multi-dimensional Inequality

Abstract

Immigrants have become more diverse over the past century, leading to overlapping classifications of race and nativity that may cause a double disadvantage for minority immigrants. In this paper, we examine the double-disadvantage of being non-white and foreign-born for health insurance coverage using nationally representative longitudinal health insurance information. We use logistic regression and event history models to examine health insurance coverage and the stability of health insurance over time using the Survey of Income and Program Participation 2004-2008. We find that minority immigrants do face a double penalty for being both foreign-born and of minority status. We also find that the double disadvantage applies to the ability to maintain health insurance coverage for some minority immigrant groups. Given the changing racial composition of immigrants, it may be important to look not only health insurance policies that impact immigrants, but policies that aim at increasing health insurance at a broader level.

Authors

• Adriana Marie Reyes, Pennsylvania State University

• Melissa Hardy, Pennsylvania State University