Disparities in Health Care by Race, Ethnicity, and Language Among the Insured

Racial and ethnic disparities in health care have been well documented, but poorly explained.

To examine the effect of access barriers, including English fluency, on racial and ethnic disparities in health care. RESEARCH DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis of the Community Tracking Survey (1996-1997). SUBJECTS: Adults 18 to 64 years with private or Medicaid health insurance. MEASURES: Independent variables included race, ethnicity, and English fluency. Dependent variables included having had a physician or mental health visit, influenza vaccination, or mammogram during the past year.