Healthcare access among circular and undocumented Mexican migrants: results from a pilot survey on the Mexico-US border

Abstract

Background—Temporary and unauthorized migrants may face unique obstacles to access health care services in the U.S. Objective—This study estimated levels of health care access among Mexican migrants returning to Mexico from the U.S. and factors associated with access to health care, with emphasis on the role of modifiable, enabling factors. Methods—We conducted a pilot probability health care survey of migrants in the border city of Tijuana, Mexico (N=186). Results—Approximately 42% of migrants reported having used health care services in the U.S. during the past year. Only 38% had a usual source of care and approximately 11% went without needed medical care in the U.S. About 71% of migrants did not have health insurance in the U.S. Lack of health insurance and transportation limitations were significantly related to various access indicators. Conclusion—These results have implications for future policies and programs aimed to address modifiable health care access barriers faced by these vulnerable and underserved segments of the Mexican migrant population.