Health Insurance Access and Participation Among Latinos in Iowa

Thumbnail Image
Date
2014-11-01
Authors
Byrne, Michaela
Major Professor
Advisor
Committee Member
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract

Latinos are the largest and fastest growing population group in Iowa. Between 2000 and 2013, there was a 104.7 percent increase in the Latino population in Iowa1. In 2013, Latinos made up 5.5% of Iowa’s population, and are projected to comprise 12.4% of Iowa’s population by 20401. Among all population groups in the U.S., health insurance plays a critical role in people’s access to health care, their health outcomes, and protecting against expected and unexpected health care costs. The Health Insurance Marketplace, an outcome of the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, has led to a significant increase in the percentage of individuals who have health insurance coverage who previously did not have health insurance. Among the Latino population, the percent of uninsured working adults dropped from 36% in the U.S. in 2013 to 23% in 2014.2 In states such as Iowa that expanded Medicaid eligibility, the rate decreased even greater–from 35% to 17%.2 However, even though a larger proportion of the Latino population has health insurance coverage, there remains a significant portion of the Latino population, including those who are immigrants, who continue to face barriers in obtaining health insurance. This brief provides information about the importance of health insurance, current available insurance options, and persistent barriers many Latinos face in regard to accessing health insurance.

Series Number
Journal Issue
Is Version Of
Versions
Series
HS 0013
Academic or Administrative Unit
Type
article
Comments
Rights Statement
Copyright
Funding
DOI
Supplemental Resources
Source
Collections