Inequality in Health Insurance Coverage for Older Immigrants

Adriana M. Reyes, Pennsylvania State University

Older immigrants have dramatically lower rates of health insurance coverage, specifically the Asian and Latin American populations. Using data from the 2001, 2004, and 2008 Survey of Income and Program Participation, we will look at health insurance coverage, to examine not only inequality in health insurance coverage, but also transitions into and out of health insurance and the factors that predict this movement. Additionally, the study attempts to understand how public policy and individual state polices impact health insurance coverage for immigrants. Results show that immigrant status, region of origin, duration, state of residence, and other demographic controls are significantly associated with health insurance coverage for older residents. Older immigrants have lower odds of health insurance coverage compared to natives; this is especially true for Asian and Latin American origin immigrants. The results indicate that more attention should be paid to older immigrants and inequality in access to health insurance.