Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved
Volume 25, Issue 4, 2014, Pages 1898-1921

Identifying vulnerable Asian Americans under health care reform: Working in small businesses and health care coverage (Article)

Cook W.K.* , Tseng W. , Chin K.K. , John I. , Chung C.
  • a Asian and Pacific Islander American Health Forum, United States
  • b University of California, Berkeley School of Public Health, United States
  • c Asian and Pacific Islander American Health Forum, United States
  • d Asian and Pacific Islander American Health Forum, United States
  • e Asian and Pacific Islander American Health Forum, United States

Abstract

Working in small businesses has been identified as a key factor for low coverage rates in immigrant communities. In this study, we identify specific cultural and socioeconomic predictors of Asian Americans who work in small businesses to identify subgroups at a greater disadvantage than others in obtaining health insurance. Logistic regression models were fitted using a sample of 3,819 Asian American small business owners and employers extracted from pooled 2005-2012 California Health Interview Survey data. We found that individuals with low income levels, Korean Americans, U.S.-born South Asian and Southeast Asian (other than Vietnamese) Americans, immigrants without citizenship (particularly those lacking a green card), and individuals with limited English proficiency had higher odds of lacking coverage. The odds of being uninsured did not differ between small business owners and employees. Based upon these key findings, we propose several strategies to expand coverage for Asian Americans working in small businesses and their most vulnerable subgroups. © Meharry Medical College.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

Vulnerable Populations vulnerable population health care policy insurance health insurance human Insurance Coverage statistics and numerical data Insurance, Health United States Humans California Asian Americans male Asian American female Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act commercial phenomena organization and management legislation and jurisprudence adult Small Business
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84911364000&doi=10.1353%2fhpu.2014.0164&partnerID=40&md5=94086def87d2bb003d9290eb762a3186
DOI: 10.1353/hpu.2014.0164
ISSN: 10492089
Cited by: 6
Original Language: English