Refugees' Human and Social Capital and Health Insurance Coverage

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Sociology
• Health Policy

Background:

• Lack of health insurance is a significant challenge for refugees.
• Understanding factors influencing refugee health insurance is crucial for policy.
• Human and social capital are potential determinants of coverage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relationship between refugees' human and social capital and their health insurance coverage.
• To identify specific aspects of social capital that enhance healthcare access for refugees.
• To inform resettlement programs on improving refugee health outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the 2020 Annual Survey of Refugees public use data file.
• Included 770 refugees who entered the U.S. between 2015 and 2019.
• Employed an ordered probit regression to analyze health insurance coverage levels (none, gap, full year).

Main Results:

• Refugee human capital (from home country or U.S.) showed no association with health insurance coverage.
• Social capital, specifically involvement in religious organizations and bridging networks, positively correlated with coverage.
• A coverage gap emerged after initial government assistance ended; paid employment and income were negatively associated with coverage.

Conclusions:

• Refugee social capital is vital for navigating healthcare access and obtaining health insurance.
• Human capital's typical positive impact on healthcare access may not extend to the refugee population.
• Resettlement programs should prioritize building refugees' social connections and diverse networks.