The Undocumented Elderly: Coverage Gaps and Low Health Care Use

Near-elderly and elderly undocumented immigrants constitute a growing subpopulation in the U.S. with potentially high rates of preventable chronic conditions, but limited access to insurance coverage and low use of care. Associated impacts on health outcomes, safety-net resources, and health care costs are potentially significant. More research is needed to better understand the prevalence of avoidable conditions and the barriers to seeking care among the undocumented elderly.