Barriers to health care access for Latino immigrants in the USA

Abstract

Purpose

Latinos comprise 12.5 percent of the overall population in the USA, and are the fastest‐growing minority, among which the Mexican‐origin population makes up about 66 percent. Undocumented Latino immigrants are a small, yet important group within the immigrant population. The purpose of this paper is to review the literature and discuss the most important factors that prevent immigrants from accessing health care.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature review was conducted from the library database. A total of 50 items of literature related to the subject were reviewed.

Findings

Border states have the highest concentration of Mexican‐origin people. The concentration of immigrants in the border has unique health and economic implications due to the vital role they have in US society, contributing both to the economy and diversity of the USA. Despite their important role, they disproportionately lack health insurance, and receive fewer health care services than US‐born citizens. This lack of insurance puts a burden on the nation's economy, and their health status deteriorates as they become more prone to chronic health conditions, and their complications due to lack of primary medical attention.

Originality/value

Tailored public health interventions that address the health needs of Latino immigrants in the USA need to be based on reliable data and statistics in order to effectively place resources, and to track achievements and flaws.

Citation

Rivers, P.A. and Patino, F.G. (2006), "Barriers to health care access for Latino immigrants in the USA", International Journal of Social Economics, Vol. 33 No. 3, pp. 207-220. https://doi.org/10.1108/03068290610646234