The importance of distinguishing Hispanic subpopulations in the use of medical care

Abstract

Rather than analyzing Hispanics as a homogeneous population, this paper uses the 1977 National Medical Care Expenditure Survey in order to make separate national estimates for Cubans, Puerto Ricans, and Mexicans. Utilization of various health services by these three groups is discussed, as well as their insurance coverage, mean annual expenses by source of payment, and health status indicators. The analysis has a descriptive as well as multivariate component and focuses specifically on the use of physician and hospital services and prescribed medicines. It is found that Puerto Ricans are almost twice as likely as Mexicans, and over four times as likely as Cubans, to be covered by Medicaid; Cubans, on the other hand, are most often privately insured. Of the three groups, Puerto Ricans have the highest annual expenses and are most likely to have at least one physician visit. The number of visits for those with a visit, however, is identical across the groups. The paper discusses the policy implications of these findings, as well as the methodologic implications of classifying various Hispanic subgroups into one all-encompassing category.