Occupational Status and Health Insurance Among Immigrants: Effects by Generation, Length of Residence in U.S., and Race

Background The occupational mobility of immigrants may be an important link between length of US residence/generation and health insurance status. Methods 2003 and 2005 Current Population Survey data are analyzed to assess the relationship between occupation and length of residence/generation and their association with health insurance for immigrant workers. Using a decomposition method, we measure how much of the differences in coverage are due to length of residence/generation versus occupation. Results Newly-arrived immigrants have lower insurance rates across all occupations, compared to longer-settled immigrants and native-born persons. Improvements are observed among immigrants with longer length of residence while the second generation reaches parity with the third+ generations. Coverage differs by occupation, with high-skilled occupations maintaining high levels and lower-skilled occupations experiencing the largest gains. While differences in coverage are mostly due to shifts in length of residence, occupational attainment makes significant contributions—particularly among Hispanics. Discussion The inclusion of occupational status increases understanding of the role that length of residence/generation plays in determining insurance status.