Health Insurance Coverage among Puerto Rican Adults in Same-Sex Relationships

Objective. The primary objectives of this study were to measure and compare health insurance coverage between nonelderly Puerto Rican adults in cohabiting same-sex relationships and their counterparts in cohabiting different-sex relationships. Methods. This study used data from the 2008–2014 Puerto Rican Community Survey on nonelderly adults (18–64 years) in cohabiting same-sex (n=274) and different-sex (n=58,128) relationships. Multinomial logistic regression models estimated differences in primary source of health insurance while controlling for key demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. Results. Compared with men in different-sex relationships, men in same-sex relationships were less likely to have employer-sponsored insurance (ESI). Women in same-sex relationships were less likely than others to have ESI, insurance purchased directly from an insurer, and public health insurance after controlling for socio-demographic factors. Conclusions. Employment-based discrimination and policy barriers may have prevented same-sex couples from enjoying the full benefits associated with marriage and cohabitation in Puerto Rico, including employer-sponsored health insurance.