Disparities in Access to Health Care Among Non-Citizens in the United States
Disparities in Access to Health Care among Non-Citizens in the United States
Considering the United States contains the largest number of immigrants in the world, it is important to look at the type of health care that these individuals are able to receive once they have moved into the country. Though they may live in the United States, they may not necessarily have gained citizenship, and that can make it difficult to receive constant health care. The purpose of this journal article was to examine exactly how big of an impact citizenship played on the probability of a person having a regular source of health care.
The authors found three main indicators that serve as an accurate predictor for the likelihood that non-citizens do not have steady health care services in their lives. These three indicators were: insurance status, short duration of residency, and lowered English proficiency skills. It is self-explanatory for the reasons why these indicators lead to a lack of steady health care. No insurance means paying large out-of-pocket fees, which most cannot afford. A short duration of residency could mean that the individual has not had the chance to find a reliable clinic to provide them with care. A lack of English skills would cause difficulty when trying to communicate with American health care providers, so some may forego a visit to the doctor to save the hassle and embarrassment.
This research solidifies my belief that more affordable health care and insurance options are needed so that all people, citizen or not, can receive the health care they deserve and need in order to live the best life possible. No matter the social status, citizenship status, race, or ethnicity, we are all part of one large country, and everyone should have access to affordable, quality health care.
References
Lee, Sungkyu and Sunha Choi. “Disparities in Access to Health Care Among Non-Citizens in the United States.” Health Sociology Review: The Journal of the Health
Considering the United States contains the largest number of immigrants in the world, it is important to look at the type of health care that these individuals are able to receive once they have moved into the country. Though they may live in the United States, they may not necessarily have gained citizenship, and that can make it difficult to receive constant health care. The purpose of this journal article was to examine exactly how big of an impact citizenship played on the probability of a person having a regular source of health care.
The authors found three main indicators that serve as an accurate predictor for the likelihood that non-citizens do not have steady health care services in their lives. These three indicators were: insurance status, short duration of residency, and lowered English proficiency skills. It is self-explanatory for the reasons why these indicators lead to a lack of steady health care. No insurance means paying large out-of-pocket fees, which most cannot afford. A short duration of residency could mean that the individual has not had the chance to find a reliable clinic to provide them with care. A lack of English skills would cause difficulty when trying to communicate with American health care providers, so some may forego a visit to the doctor to save the hassle and embarrassment.
This research solidifies my belief that more affordable health care and insurance options are needed so that all people, citizen or not, can receive the health care they deserve and need in order to live the best life possible. No matter the social status, citizenship status, race, or ethnicity, we are all part of one large country, and everyone should have access to affordable, quality health care.
References
Lee, Sungkyu and Sunha Choi. “Disparities in Access to Health Care Among Non-Citizens in the United States.” Health Sociology Review: The Journal of the Health
References: Lee, Sungkyu and Sunha Choi. “Disparities in Access to Health Care Among Non-Citizens in the United States.” Health Sociology Review: The Journal of the Health Section of the Australian Sociological Association 18.3 (2009):307-320. Informit Health Collection. Web. 31 May 2012.