Gradients in Immigrants' Health Coverage and Healthcare Utilization by Region of Birth and Citizenship Status.

This paper examines differences in health insurance coverage and healthcare utilization among immigrants by global region of birth and citizenship status. Prior research has found a significant disparity in healthcare use among immigrants from Asia and the Americas when compared to US natives, in addition to lower rates of health insurance coverage. However, little is known about differences in healthcare use between subgroups with diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and contexts of migration. This analysis fills the gap by comparing healthcare use and insurance coverage between immigrant groups from five global regions of birth. Using data from the 2009-2013 National Health Interview Survey and employing a logistic regression analysis, this study finds significant variation in health insurance coverage, which is largely mediated by differences in citizenship status. I then find health insurance to be a strong predictor of healthcare utilization. Using recent data, these findings have implications for public health and for broader patterns of immigrant incorporation in the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]