Objectives. This study describes the characteristics of migrant and seasonal farm workers (MSFWs) served by federally- funded health centers and examines disparities in access to primary and preventive care between migrant health center (MHC) and community health center (CHC) program patients. Methods. Cross- sectional analysis of the 2009 Health Center Patient Survey which has 2212 and 831 patients from CHC and MHC program patients, respectively. Results. Our study showed that the MHC program provided comparable health care access and quality for MSFWs relative to CHC patients. However, there were challenges with access to primary care, such as getting timely medical and dental care and prescription medicine. Discussion. These results affirmed the role of health centers in providing high- quality primary care and reducing disparities. However, continual efforts are needed to enhance access to and quality of care for MSFWs. © 2016 Meharry Medical College.

Migrants and seasonal farm workers (MSFWs) Access to care Quality of care Community health centers

Safety-net Providers primary medical care agricultural worker human middle aged statistics and numerical data time factor Time Factors season Seasons Farmers dental procedure prescription drug Prescription Drugs Cross-Sectional Studies prescription United States Community Health Centers Dental Care Young Adult migrant cross-sectional study medicine Adolescent Humans Infant, Newborn male female preschool child Infant Child, Preschool newborn Socioeconomic Factors socioeconomics standards safety net hospital organization and management major clinical study adult migration health care access preventive medicine health center Transients and Migrants Healthcare Disparities health care disparity Health Services Accessibility primary health care health care delivery Child