ABSTRACT
The issue of access to health care is two ways. The first is legal and theoretical. The second way to analyze the issue of access is to look past image, myth, and ideology— to look beyond abstract laws and regulations that address access. Socioeconomic factors play a major role in limiting Hispanic access to health care; however, there are important differences among various Hispanic peoples. The lack of health insurance has very real consequences concerning access to health care, quality of life, and the very question of life itself. Family income is a major factor in determining whether children are insured. Long-term-care insurance provides medical and support services to people who cannot live and function independently because of a chronic illness or other conditions. Women, particularly low-income and minority women, have special obstacles accessing health care. Real access to quality health care goes far beyond the mere passage of a law establishing, for example, funding mechanism for qualified applicants.
