Racial/ethnic differences in children's access to care

Abstract

Objectives: This study explored reasons for racial and ethnic differences in children's usual sources of care.

Methods: Data from the 1996 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey were examined by means of logistic regression techniques.

Results: Black and Hispanic children were substantially less likely than White children to have a usual source of care. These differences persisted after control for health insurance and socioeconomic status. Control for language ability, however, eliminated differences between Hispanic and White children.

Conclusions: Results suggest that the marked Hispanic disadvantage in children's access to care noted in earlier studies may be related to language ability.