Moving Toward Inclusion: Access to Care Models for Uninsured Immigrant Children

Abstract

Policy Points Models for access to care for uninsured immigrant children that mitigate structural and sociopolitical barriers to inclusive health care include funding structures (e.g., state‐sponsored coverage) and care delivery systems (e.g., federally qualified health centers,). Although the quintessential model of access to care necessitates health coverage for all children regardless of immigration status or date of United States entry, incremental policy change may more realistically and efficiently advance equitable access to high‐quality health care. Intentional advocacy efforts should prioritize achievable goals that are grounded in data, are attentive to the sociopolitical milieu, are inclusive of diverse perspectives, and would meaningfully impact health care access and outcomes.

Promoting Health for Latino Immigrant Families—A Call for Improved Systems and Policies

“…Locally, health care coverage is sometimes offered through private-public partnerships. 3 Innovative models through schools, mobile clinics, and student-run clinics also expand access but differ by eligibility, location, and resources. 3 Medicaid coverage for undocumented children is limited to 11 states and Washington, DC, despite being associated with increased preventive care receipt for all children regardless of documentation status.…”

“…3 Innovative models through schools, mobile clinics, and student-run clinics also expand access but differ by eligibility, location, and resources. 3 Medicaid coverage for undocumented children is limited to 11 states and Washington, DC, despite being associated with increased preventive care receipt for all children regardless of documentation status. 4 While many mixed-documentation status families seek preventive care at federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), they face significant cost barriers to receiving subspecialty services or imaging outside the FQHC setting, where sliding-scale fees no longer apply.…”

“…Emergency Medicaid is available for lifesaving care, including childbirth. Locally, health care coverage is sometimes offered through private-public partnerships . Innovative models through schools, mobile clinics, and student-run clinics also expand access but differ by eligibility, location, and resources …”