HEALTHCARE ACCESS AND UTILIZATION AMONG OLDER U.S. IMMIGRANTS - A POPULATION-BASED ANALYSIS

Q: Which dataset and time period were used to study healthcare access?

The study uses 2018–2022 data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS).

Q: How were immigration groups defined for the analysis?

Immigration status was categorized as U.S.-born, long-term immigrants (≥15 years in the U.S.), and recent immigrants (<15 years in the U.S.).

Q: What main differences were found between immigrants and U.S.-born older adults?

Both long-term and recent immigrants were less likely to report having a usual source of care than U.S.-born individuals, and recent immigrants were more likely to report delayed medical care due to cost.

Sep 28, 2026

Upload by supergirl

Using 2018–2022 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) data, the analysis evaluates retrospective, self-reported healthcare access among U.S. adults aged 65 and older, comparing U.S.-born individuals with long-term (≥15 years) and recent (<15 years) immigrants. It assesses usual source of care, after-hours/weekend access, cost-related delays in care and prescriptions, and provider communication in respondents’ preferred language. Survey-weighted logistic regression shows both immigrant groups are less likely to report having a usual source of care versus U.S.-born; recent immigrants also report greater cost-related delays. Results inform targeted strategies for health equity in aging populations.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Study background and objectives

Data source and population

Measures of healthcare access and utilization

Statistical approach

Key findings

Implications for health equity

1070 Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 2018–2022 data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), we conducted a retrospective analysis of self-reported healthcare access among adults aged 65 and older. Immigration status was categorized as U.S.-born, long-term immigrants (≥15 years in the U.S.), and recent immigrants (< 15 years in the U.S.) . We examined key aspects of usual source of care (USC), including whether respondents reported having a USC, access to after-hours or weekend care, delays in receiving care or filling prescriptions due to cost, and whether providers communicated in the respondent’s preferred language. Survey-weighted logistic regression models revealed that both long-term and recent immigrants were significantly less likely to report having a USC compared to U.S.-born individuals (OR = 0.7 and OR= 0.4, respectively; p = 0.004) . Additionally, recent immigrants were more likely to report delayed medical care due to cost (OR = 2.2, p = 0.029) . These findings contribute to growing evidence on how immigration status and length of U.S. residency shape access to care among older adults. By identifying disparities rooted in both migration history and broader social determinants, this study informs targeted strategies to promote health equity in aging populations. Abstract citation ID: igaf122.3599 HEALTHCARE ACCESS AND UTILIZATION AMONG OLDER U.S. IMMIGRANTS: A POPULATION-BASED ANALYSIS Irtiza Faruque1, Aastha Dharia2, and Mohammad Usama Toseef3, 1. Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Auburn Hills, Michigan, United States, 2. Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester Hills, Michigan, United States, 3. Corewell Health, Farmington Hills, Michigan, United States Immigrants comprise a growing segment of the aging U.S. population, with those aged 65 and older now representing approximately 14% of all older adults. Despite their increasing numbers, older immigrants often encounter unique barriers to healthcare, including linguistic, financial, and systemic challenges. Yet, there remains limited research evaluating how these individuals perceive access to and quality of care. Using

FAQs

Which dataset and time period were used to study healthcare access?

The study uses 2018–2022 data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS).

How were immigration groups defined for the analysis?

Immigration status was categorized as U.S.-born, long-term immigrants (≥15 years in the U.S.), and recent immigrants (<15 years in the U.S.).

What main differences were found between immigrants and U.S.-born older adults?

Both long-term and recent immigrants were less likely to report having a usual source of care than U.S.-born individuals, and recent immigrants were more likely to report delayed medical care due to cost.

Sep 28, 2026

Upload by supergirl