Assessment of U.S. Health Care Utilization Patterns Among Recently Resettled Refugees Using Data from the 2016 Annual Survey of Refugees

Abstract

Purpose: Little is known regarding the health care utilization patterns of refugees resettled in the United States. We analyzed the Annual Survey of Refugees (ASR), a nationally representative survey of recently resettled refugees, to assess these patterns. Methods: Anonymized 2016 ASR data were examined for refugees ?16 years old who arrived from 2011 to 2014. Results: Refugees most often used private physicians (34%), health clinics (19%), and emergency rooms (14%). Approximately 15% reported no regular source of care, and 34% had health insurance for ?1 month of the prior year. Conclusion: Results indicate differing health care use and coverage, revealing opportunities for educational interventions.