Latino children in the United States face substantial obstacles in accessing quality health care compared to their white counterparts, a new study has found. The research, conducted by the Urban Institute and funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, reveals persistent disparities in health insurance coverage, access to primary care, and utilization of preventive services.
According to the study, Latino children are more than twice as likely to be uninsured compared to white children, with 9.3% of Latino children lacking health insurance versus 4.2% of white children. Furthermore, Latino children are less likely to have a usual source of care, with 77.9% reporting a regular provider compared to 95.6% of white children.
The study also highlights the impact of language barriers and immigration status on health care access. Nearly one-third of Latino children live in households where English is not the primary language, which can hinder communication with health care providers. Additionally, Latino children in immigrant families are less likely to access public health insurance programs due to fear of immigration enforcement and confusion about eligibility.
Researchers emphasize the need for targeted interventions to address these disparities, including expanding Medicaid and CHIP eligibility, investing in culturally competent care, and addressing social determinants of health. “Ensuring equitable access to health care for Latino children is crucial for their long-term health and well-being,” said lead author Dr. Margarita AlegrÃa of the Urban Institute.
See “Study reveals urgent need to address disparities faced by Latino children in Harris County, TX” (April 26, 2024)
