Immigrants And Health Care: Sources Of Vulnerability

Immigrants have been identified as a vulnerable population, but there is heterogeneity in the degree to which they are vulnerable to inadequate health care. Here we examine the factors that affect immigrants' vulnerability, including socioeconomic background; immigration status; limited English...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Health Affairs 2007-09, Vol.26 (5), p.1258-1268
Main Authors: Derose, Kathryn Pitkin, Escarce, Jose J, Lurie, Nicole
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Discriminant analysis
Health care
Health care access
Health insurance
Health policy
Heterogeneity
Immigrants
Interpreters
Medical service
Noncitizens
Population
Quality of care
Socioeconomic factors
Socioeconomic status
Studies
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Summary:Immigrants have been identified as a vulnerable population, but there is heterogeneity in the degree to which they are vulnerable to inadequate health care. Here we examine the factors that affect immigrants' vulnerability, including socioeconomic background; immigration status; limited English proficiency; federal, state, and local policies on access to publicly funded health care; residential location; and stigma and marginalization. We find that, overall, immigrants have lower rates of health insurance, use less health care, and receive lower quality of care than U.S.-born populations; however, there are differences among subgroups. We conclude with policy options for addressing immigrants' vulnerabilities. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]
ISSN:0278-2715
1544-5208
DOI:10.1377/hlthaff.26.5.1258