Despite significant population increases, how Asian Americans ethnic subgroups vary in having a usual source of care (USC) is poorly understood. Using data from 2005 and 2009 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), the authors examine how having a USC varies among Asian American ethnic subgroups (Chinese, Filipinos, Japanese, Koreans, Vietnamese, and South Asians), and the potential factors influencing variation in having a USC.

Findings: The authors found that significant differences in the magnitude of the variation and factors influencing having a USC were found across Asian subgroups. Korean and Japanese adults had 52% to 69% lower adjusted odds of having a USC compared with Chinese. Among all Asian subgroups, uninsured adults had 85% to 94% lower adjusted odds of having a USC. Patterns of associations for USC varied by Asian subgroup, although uninsurance persisted significantly across all subgroups. Persistent variation and heterogenous associations suggest that targeted, ethnicity-specific policies and outreach are needed to improve having a USC for Asian American ethnic adults.