Exploding the Immigrant Healthcare Myth

Myths were

meant to be

shattered.

A recent study examining the use of medical services by U.S. immigrants does just that.

Contrary to claims you may hear repeated ad nauseam on Lou Dobbs, today's recent arrivals are half as likely to use emergency rooms or seek any healthcare at all compared to native-born residents.

In fact, most have not seen a doctor of any kind in the last two years.

That's the conclusion based on the study by the University of California and the Mexican government's National Population Council - and an analysis by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The overwhelming majority of recent immigrants work in industries such as agriculture and construction where physical injuries are most likely to occur.

Does this mean they have fewer accidents or get sick less frequently than the general native population?

Hardly.

In fact, recent immigrants - mostly poor, less educated and working menial, labor-intensive jobs - would be expected to need substantially more medical attention.

So, why then the discrepancy in service rates?

Simply, the majority of immigrants do not come to the United States to see a doctor.

Financial resources, lack of health insurance, and the inability to communicate with medical professionals are important barriers forcing them to pass up healthcare. Some who are living in the shadows perhaps do not want to jeopardize their cover for fear of deportation.

Yet, immigrants continue working in the fields, construction sites, and janitorial jobs, often exposed to toxins, pesticides, and chemicals that may lead to chronic illnesses, such as respiratory diseases.

Think the study is a fluke? As recently as last August, the American Journal of Public Health reported that while immigrants represent 10.4 percent of the population, they only account for 8 percent of total healthcare spending.

For immigrant children the situation is more disparaging.

While native-born children used on average $1,059 in healthcare related services during the survey period, immigrant children only used approximately $270 in costs, according to the AJPH study.

Using data on immigrants - legal and undocumented - the study also dispels the myth ...