Summary
The authors studied variations among non-Hispanic white and Asian American adults in California who had a usual source of care (USC), using data from the 2005 and 2009 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS).
Findings: Race-related disparities between Asian Americans and non-Hispanic whites in having a USC were no longer significant after accounting for acculturation factors. Limited English proficiency and living a short time in the United States (less than five years) were significantly associated with not having a USC for both races. Increasing levels of education and insurance were not associated with better access among Asian Americans. Key differences exist in how Asian American and non-Hispanic white adults access care. Acculturation factors are key drivers of disparities and should be included in access-to-care models with Asians. Insurance and education are differentially significant for Asian Americans and non-Hispanic whites.