Twenty-three percent of African Americans lack access to health insurance and hence lack access to a regular source of medical care. As a result, African Americans die from diabetes at a rate which is three times greater than for whites. Lack of insurance impedes access to health care. Overall, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are less likely than whites to have health insurance coverage. Sixty-four percent have insurance.
Subgroups however vary widely in the coverage.
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are less likely than whites to have a regular source for health care, despite the fact that these groups have a higher risk for certain easily detectable and preventable chronic diseases. Native Americans are disadvantaged in health status in part because of their limited access to health insurance, their lower income levels, and poor access to health care. This report analyzes the Welfare Reform Law of 1996 and its impact on restricting Medicaid eligibility for certain immigrant populations. Included with the report are a chart pack highlighting statistics and a policy brief discussing the legal status of Medicaid eligibility. References from this web page or from any of the information services sponsored by AoA to any non-governmental entity, product, service or information does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the Administration on Aging or any of its employees.