This paper aims at quantifying the effects of information networks on immigrants' access to health care. The dataset consists of an unusually large sample of undocumented immigrants and contains a direct indicator of information networks - whether an immigrant was referred to health care opportunities by a strong social tie (relative or friend). The analysis focuses on the time spent in Italy before an immigrant first receives medical assistance. Estimates indicate that networks significantly foster health care utilization; the effect is stronger for males. These findings can have direct policy implications. Policies aimed at increasing/decreasing the use of primary health care by immigrants or minorities can exploit the multiplier effect of information networks. In general, knowledge of the working of social networks could help in addressing ethnic differences in take-up rates and immigrants' welfare assimilation processes, coping with racial segregation and vicious circles of welfare dependency/exclusion.

network effects Undocumented immigrants Health utilization

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