Health Care Access For Migrant Farmworkers: A Paradigm For Better Health

Abstract

It is estimated that 9.3 million undocumented individuals are currently living in the United States. More than 15% of the United States' Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is spent in health care each year, more than any other developed nation worldwide; however, the benefits of the health care system are not uniformly felt by everyone living within our borders as more than 47 million Americans have no health care insurance coverage. For this reason, many utilize the emergency room for all of their health needs. Only 1 in 5 farm workers is able to obtain health insurance through either their employer or through the state or federal governments. The lack of health insurance makes it increasingly difficult for the uninsured and undocumented populations to obtain health care, as more than two-thirds of this population is living in poverty. To assist in delivering health care to these individuals and to help ensure necessary public health measures, the paradigm of a “Health Promoter” is being put forth to serve as a potential solution to cost-effective managed health care. The Health Promoter paradigm brings a third world concept to the first world. It is hoped that this paradigm can serve other hospitals and health care facilities to bring medical attention to other undocumented populations nationwide.