Access to Health Insurance and Health Care for Hispanic Children in the United States. Issue 1 (July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Perreira, Krista M.; Allen, Chenoa D.; Oberlander, Jonathan
• Other Names: Genetian Lisa A. guest-editor.; Tienda Marta guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science. Volume 696:Issue 1(2021)
• Page Start: 223
• Page End: 244
• Publication Date: 2021-07
• Subjects: Hispanic/Latino -- children -- health insurance -- utilization -- health care access; Social sciences -- Periodicals; Social sciences -- United States -- Periodicals; Political science -- Periodicals; United States -- Politics and government -- Periodicals; 300
• DOI: 10.1177/00027162211050007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0002-7162

Abstract

Health insurance gives families access to medical services and protects them against the costs of illness and medical treatment. Insured children are more likely than their uninsured peers to use medical services, preventive health services, have a usual source of care, and have fewer unmet medical needs. In this article, we review trends in health insurance coverage for Hispanic children and the factors that influence their coverage. We then discuss health care utilization among Hispanic children and barriers to health care utilization. We conclude with a discussion of strategies to improve Hispanic children's health care access in the age of COVID-19.