Dennis T Kao1, Julie Park, SeongHee Min, Dowell Myers. 1. School of Social Work and the Population Dynamics Research Group, University of Southern California, 3518 Trousdale Parkway, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0626, USA. denniska@usc.edu
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The occupational mobility of immigrants may be an important link between length of US residence/generation and health insurance status. METHODS: 2003 and 2005 Current Population Survey data are analyzed to assess the relationship between occupation and length of residence/generation and their association with health insurance for immigrant workers. Using a decomposition method, we measure how much of the differences in coverage are due to length of residence/generation versus occupation. RESULTS: Newly-arrived immigrants have lower insurance rates across all occupations, compared to longer-settled immigrants and native-born persons. Improvements are observed among immigrants with longer length of residence while the second generation reaches parity with the third+ generations. Coverage differs by occupation, with high-skilled occupations maintaining high levels and lower-skilled occupations experiencing the largest gains. While differences in coverage are mostly due to shifts in length of residence, occupational attainment makes significant contributions-particularly among Hispanics. DISCUSSION: The inclusion of occupational status increases understanding of the role that length of residence/generation plays in determining insurance status.
BACKGROUND: The occupational mobility of immigrants may be an important link between length of US residence/generation and health insurance status. METHODS: 2003 and 2005 Current Population Survey data are analyzed to assess the relationship between occupation and length of residence/generation and their association with health insurance for immigrant workers. Using a decomposition method, we measure how much of the differences in coverage are due to length of residence/generation versus occupation. RESULTS: Newly-arrived immigrants have lower insurance rates across all occupations, compared to longer-settled immigrants and native-born persons. Improvements are observed among immigrants with longer length of residence while the second generation reaches parity with the third+ generations. Coverage differs by occupation, with high-skilled occupations maintaining high levels and lower-skilled occupations experiencing the largest gains. While differences in coverage are mostly due to shifts in length of residence, occupational attainment makes significant contributions-particularly among Hispanics. DISCUSSION: The inclusion of occupational status increases understanding of the role that length of residence/generation plays in determining insurance status.
Authors: Marielena Lara; Cristina Gamboa; M Iya Kahramanian; Leo S Morales; David E Hayes Bautista Journal: Annu Rev Public Health Date: 2005 Impact factor: 21.870