Related Experiment Videos
Crossing the border for health care
1Texas Tech University, USA.
Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Many uninsured adults cross the U.S.-Mexico border for affordable medical care and medication due to high domestic costs. This highlights a significant need for accessible and low-cost healthcare options for vulnerable populations.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Economics
- Cross-border Healthcare
Background:
- High healthcare costs and lack of insurance are significant barriers to accessing medical services in the United States.
- Geographic proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border may influence healthcare-seeking behaviors for certain populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and reasons for U.S. adults seeking medical care and purchasing medication in Mexico.
- To understand the demographic and insurance status of individuals crossing the border for healthcare.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to adults attending a health fair in south Los Angeles County.
- Data collected included healthcare seeking behaviors across the U.S.-Mexico border, reasons for seeking care, and medication purchases.
Main Results:
- 14% of respondents sought medical care in Mexico in the past year.
- 70% cited lower costs as the primary reason for cross-border care, with 80% being uninsured.
- 28% purchased medications (antibiotics, pain relievers) in Mexico, 90% of whom were uninsured.
Conclusions:
- The high cost of healthcare and lack of insurance in the U.S. drive uninsured and low-income individuals to seek affordable care and medication in Mexico.
- Cross-border healthcare utilization is a coping mechanism for urgent health needs among the uninsured, despite travel and cost burdens.