The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #60360

Lynn A. Blewett, PhD¹, Timothy Beebe, PhD¹, Tracy L. Johnson, PhD², and Kathleen Thiede Call, PhD¹. (1) State Health Access Data Assistance Center, University of Minnesota, 2221 University Ave., Suite 345, Minneapolis, MN 55414, (2) Health Policy Solutions, Inc., 31377 Tamarisk Lane, Evergreen, CO 80439, 303-679-6805, tlj6805@aol.com

This study assesses the health insurance status and needs of Latinos with limited English proficiency (LEP) as compared to Latinos with English proficiency (EP), and white non-Latinos in Colorado and Minnesota. We analyzed data from two statewide random-digit dial (RDD) telephone surveys (n=24,792 Minnesota and n=10,217 Colorado) both completed in 2001. This multivariate analysis examines health insurance status as a function of LEP/EP, sociodemographic characteristics, health status, access to information about public programs, past health insurance experience, regular source of care, access to employer coverage, and country of origin. Latinos in both states have an uninsurance rate that is nearly double statewide rates. Latino children comprise a majority of the uninsured in Colorado, with an uninsurance rate that is triple that of non-Latino children. We find significant differences between LEP and EP Latinos on many of the previously-cited measures. However, EP Latinos do not reach rates of insurance coverage for white non-Latinos. We conclude that using average measures of coverage for Latinos masks underlying disparities in coverage among distinct subpopulations of Latinos. Policies and programs need to respond to these identified differences to improve health insurance coverage rates among Latinos.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to:
• Understand how to use survey data to assess the health insurance needs of disenfranchised populations
• Identify important Latino sub-groups for separate analysis in studies of health insurance coverage
• Apply findings to programs/policies that aim to improve health insurance coverage among Latino populations

Keywords: Hispanic, Health Insurance

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Handout (.ppt format, 99.5 kb)