Influence of Social Networks and Support on Access to Health Insurance among Mexican Foreign-born Adults
Open Access
Author:
Leighton, Cassandra Lynn
Area of Honors:
Sociology
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Jennifer Van Hook, Thesis Supervisor Jennifer Van Hook, Thesis Supervisor Dr. Jeffery Todd Ulmer, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
social networks health insurance mexican
Abstract:
Immigrants to the United States consistently lack the opportunities to obtain health insurance due to the lack of citizenship status, financial ability, and knowledge of how to access and utilize different programs and services. Ultimately, the lack of health insurance can lead to worse health outcomes among a population. Using the March 2010 Supplement of the Current Population Survey, I examine social determinants in health insurance coverage among Mexican foreign-born adults between the ages of 35 and 64. In particular, the analysis looked at the significance of social networks and support through the measures of spouse citizenship, state laws concerning immigrants’ access to health care, the size of the Mexican immigrant population in the state, and access to other public programs. Living in a state with a large Mexican population and participation in other public programs do not lead to a higher usage of health insurance. However, being married to a spouse who is a United States citizen, naturalized or U.S.-born, was significantly and positively associated with insurance coverage. Further analysis needs to be conducted concerning the influence of state laws on rates of health insurance coverage.
