Gradients in Immigrants’ Health Coverage and Healthcare Utilization by Region of Birth and Citizenship Status

• In Event: 549 - Section on International Migration Refereed Roundtable Session and Business Meeting
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: Table 09. Health

Abstract

The objective of this study is to identify differences in health insurance coverage and healthcare utilization among immigrants by global region of birth. Prior research has found a significant disparity in healthcare use and access among immigrants from Asia and the Americas when compared to the US born, in addition to lower rates of health insurance coverage. However, little is known about differences in healthcare use between subgroups with diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and contexts of migration. This analysis fills the gap by comparing healthcare use and insurance coverage between immigrant groups from five global regions of birth. Using data from the 2013-2014 National Health Interview Survey and employing a logistic regression analysis, this study finds significant variation in health insurance coverage, with immigrants from Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean being highly disadvantaged. Immigrants from these same regions are also less likely to have been to the ER in the past year compared to US born non-Hispanic whites, with immigrants from three Asian groups being least likely. Using recent data, these findings have implications for public health in the US, especially in the context of the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, which may provide an additional barrier to health insurance coverage for a large population of immigrants who lack a legal status.

Author

• Cody Spence, Temple University