Medical Care for Undocumented Immigrants: National and International Issues

• Authors: Teresa Beck, Emory University; Thien-Kim Le, Emory University; Queen Henry-Okafor, Vanderbilt University; Megha Shah, Emory University
• Journal Title: Primary Care - Clinics in Office Practice
• Volume: Volume 44, Number 1
• Publisher: Elsevier | 2017-03-01, Pages e1-e13
• Type of Work: Article | Final Publisher PDF
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.pop.2016.09.005
• Subjects: Health Sciences, Public Health; Health Sciences, Health Care Management
• Keywords: Access to care; Health care; Medical care; Undocumented immigrants; California; Delivery of Health Care; Europe; Global Health; Health Policy; Health Services Accessibility; Humans; Insurance, Health; Preventive Medicine; Primary Health Care; Undocumented Immigrants; United States

Abstract

The number of undocumented immigrants (UIs) varies worldwide, and most reside in the United States. With more than 12 million UIs in the United States, addressing the health care needs of this population presents unique challenges and opportunities. Most UIs are uninsured and rely on the safety-net health system for their care. Because of young age, this population is often considered to be healthier than the overall US population, but they have specific health conditions and risks. Adequate coverage is lacking; however, there are examples of how to better address the health care needs of UIs.