Children in immigrant families now comprise more than one-fifth of all children in
the United States. Low-income children in immigrant families, particularly children
who are themselves immigrants, are more likely to be uninsured and to have poor access
to health care than low-income children from native-born families. Differences in
insurance coverage are related to restricted eligibility for public insurance coverage
and to limited access to employer-sponsored insurance. The combination of poor insurance
coverage, language barriers, and other factors contributes to reduced access to medical
care services for immigrant children. This article reviews the literature, examines
some common misconceptions regarding immigrants and the nation's health care problems,
and describes potential federal, state, and local policies that could improve or weaken
children's access to insurance and health care.
Key Words
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Article Info
Publication History
Accepted:
August 7,
2007
Received:
April 30,
2007
Identification
Copyright
© 2007 Ambulatory Pediatric Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
