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Are migrants health policies aimed at improving access to quality healthcare? An analysis of Spanish policies

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  • Vázquez, María Luisa
  • Terraza-Núñez, Rebeca
  • S-Hernández, Silvia
  • Vargas, Ingrid
  • Bosch, Lola
  • González, Andrea
  • Pequeño, Sandra
  • Cantos, Raquel
  • Martínez, Juan Ignacio
  • López, Luís Andrés

Abstract

Although until April 2012, all Spanish citizens regardless of their origin, residence status and work situation were entitled to health care, available evidence suggested inadequate access for immigrants. Following the Aday and Andersen model, we conducted an analysis of policy elements that affect immigrants’ access to health care in Spain, based on documentary analysis of national policies and selected regional policies related to migrant health care. Selected documents were (a) laws and plans in force at the time containing migrant health policies and (b) evaluations. The analysis included policy principles, objectives, strategies and evaluations. Results show that the national and regional policies analyzed are based on the principle that health care is a right granted to immigrants by law. These policies include strategies to facilitate access to health care, reducing barriers for entry to the system, for example simplifying requirements and raising awareness, but mostly they address the necessary qualities for services to be able to attend to a more diverse population, such as the adaptation of resources and programs, or improved communication and training. However, limited planning was identified in terms of their implementation, necessary resources and evaluation. In conclusion, the policies address relevant barriers of access for migrants and signal improvements in the health system's responsiveness, but reinforcement is required in order for them to be effectively implemented.

Suggested Citation

  • Vázquez, María Luisa & Terraza-Núñez, Rebeca & S-Hernández, Silvia & Vargas, Ingrid & Bosch, Lola & González, Andrea & Pequeño, Sandra & Cantos, Raquel & Martínez, Juan Ignacio & López, Luís Andrés, 2013. "Are migrants health policies aimed at improving access to quality healthcare? An analysis of Spanish policies," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 113(3), pages 236-246.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:hepoli:v:113:y:2013:i:3:p:236-246
    DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2013.06.007
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    1. Irene Garcia-Subirats & Ingrid Vargas & Belén Sanz-Barbero & Davide Malmusi & Elena Ronda & Mónica Ballesta & María Luisa Vázquez, 2014. "Changes in Access to Health Services of the Immigrant and Native-Born Population in Spain in the Context of Economic Crisis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(10), pages 1-20, September.
    2. Leonardo Mammana & Chiara Milani & Paola Bordin & Lorenzo Paglione & Chiara Salvia, 2020. "Health System Response during the European Refugee Crisis: Policy and Practice Analysis in Four Italian Regions," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-22, July.
    3. Rolke, Kristin & Wenner, Judith & Razum, Oliver, 2019. "Shaping access to health care for refugees on the local level in Germany – Mixed-methods analysis of official statistics and perspectives of gatekeepers," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 123(9), pages 845-850.
    4. Cimas, Marta & Gullon, Pedro & Aguilera, Eva & Meyer, Stefan & Freire, José Manuel & Perez-Gomez, Beatriz, 2016. "Healthcare coverage for undocumented migrants in Spain: Regional differences after Royal Decree Law 16/2012," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 120(4), pages 384-395.
    5. Vázquez, María-Luisa & Vargas, Ingrid & Jaramillo, Daniel López & Porthé, Victoria & López-Fernández, Luis Andrés & Vargas, Hernán & Bosch, Lola & Hernández, Silvia S. & Azarola, Ainhoa Ruiz, 2016. "Was access to health care easy for immigrants in Spain? The perspectives of health personnel in Catalonia and Andalusia," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 120(4), pages 396-405.

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