The Other US Border: Health Insurance Coverage Among Latino Immigrants in Puerto Rico (Health Affairs)
Summary: Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory and a popular destination for Latino immigrants in the Caribbean. Even with few language and cultural barriers, however, many Latino immigrants in Puerto Rico are uninsured. Using data from the 2014–2019 Puerto Rico Community Survey, authors examined inequities in health insurance coverage for non-Puerto Rican Latinos ages 18-64 living in Puerto Rico according to citizenship status and Latino subgroup (Dominican, Cuban, Mexican, and other Latino).
Findings: After controlling for potential confounders, authors found that noncitizen Dominicans had a significantly lower probability of having any health insurance (57.2%) and having any private insurance (31.5%). Regardless of similarities in culture and language, Latino immigrants on the island, particularly Dominicans, experience major health insurance coverage inequities. Considering that Puerto Rico's immigration system is regulated by U.S. federal statute, both federal and local policymakers should acknowledge and focus on reducing these immigrant disparities in health insurance coverage.
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