Access to Healthcare for Vulnerable Asians in the United States

Though the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is a pivotal step toward universal coverage in the US and substantial progress has been made since its passing in 2010, significant risks and insurmountable barriers still exist for underserved communities. This study closely examined the barriers that the top four most uninsured subgroups face in accessing healthcare (Bangladeshi, Cambodian, Korean, and Pakistani communities). Combining quantitative and qualitative approaches, this study consisted of interviews with 24 national health experts and advocates on Asian health and a survey of a non-probability sample of 107 Koreans in the Tri-State region (Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York). Findings indicated that structural barriers, such as cost and employment/occupation types, have a significant impact on access to healthcare. Further high uninsurance rates (40%) appear to be interrelated to the high occurrence of self-employment and employment in the ethnic economy (57%).