Associations between State Minimum Wage Policy and Health Care Access: A Multi-level Analysis of the 2004 Behavioral Risk Factor Survey

• DOI: 10.1353/hpu.0.0284
• Publication Date: 2010-05-09T13:00:16Z
• Authors: Kelly P. McCarrier; Diane P. Martin; James D. Ralston; Frederick J. Zimm...
• Keywords: Minimum Wage; Survey data collection

Minimum wage policies have been advanced as mechanisms to improve the economic conditions of working poor. Both positive and negative effects such on health care access hypothesized, but associations yet be thoroughly tested. To examine whether presence minimum in excess federal standard $5.15 per hour was associated with indicators among low-skilled adults age, a cross-sectional analysis 2004 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data conducted. Self-reported insurance status experience cost-related barriers needed medical were adjusted multi-level logistic regression models control for potential confounding at state, county, individual levels. State-level policy not found or unmet need models, providing early evidence that increased rates may neither strengthen nor weaken previously predicted.