Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers: Health Insurance Coverage and Access to Care

Publication Date: April 2005

Publisher: Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation

Author(s):

Research Area: Agriculture, forestry and fishing; Health

Type: Report

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

Migrant and seasonal farmworkers are an integral support to the nation’s agricultural industry. Nearly three million workers earn their living through migrant or seasonal farm labor. Migrant and seasonal farmworkers and their families confront health challenges stemming from the
nature of their work, their extreme poverty and mobility, and living and working arrangements that impede access to health coverage and care. This brief provides an overview of migrant and seasonal farmworkers and the health challenges they face and considers options for improving
their health coverage and access to care.