Citation
Wassink, Joshua T. (2016). Implications of Mexican Health Care Reform on the Health Coverage of Nonmigrants and Returning Migrants. American Journal of Public Health, 106(5), 848-850. PMCID: PMC4851337Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To assess health coverage among Mexicans with US migration experience, before and after the implementation of Mexico's universal health care program, Seguro Popular.METHODS: I used data from the 2000 and 2010 Mexican Censuses to generate nationally representative estimates of health coverage among working-age Mexicans by migrant status.
RESULTS: In 2000, before the implementation of Seguro Popular, 56% of Mexicans aged 15 to 60 years with no recent US migrations were uninsured compared with 80% of recently returned migrants. By 2010, the proportion uninsured declined from 56% to 35% (-38%) among nonmigrants and from 80% to 54% (-33%) among return migrants.
CONCLUSIONS: Seguro Popular has increased health coverage among Mexican return migrants, but they remain substantially underinsured. A creative and multifaceted approach likely will be needed to address Mexican immigrants' health care needs.