There is little specific data regarding the health status of Chinese-Americans. Prior to 1985, studies suggested a lower risk for death and disease in Asians and Pacific Islanders as a whole (Huff & Kline, 1999). However, newer studies see a trend towards poorer health status for this group in general, especially among those that live in poverty.
In 2018, the leading causes of death for older Asian American men were cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and chronic lower respiratory diseases. The leading causes of death for older Asian American women were heart disease, cancer, stroke, Alzheimer’s Disease, and diabetes. This differs from the White population in that heart disease is the leading cause of death. The myth of the “Model Minority” (that all Asians are affluent and healthy) is misleading. Significant segments of the Asian population are living in poverty, lack insurance, and do not have access to health care.
In 2019, 73.3 percent of Chinese Americans had health insurance. 27 percent of Chinese Americans had Medicaid or public health insurance. 6.6 percent of Asian Americans were uninsured.
According to the Center for Disease Control, 7% of Asian Americans 18-64 years of age do not have health insurance coverage, and 10.3% of Asian Americans 18 and over report they are in fair or poor health.
Also, Chinese-American households tend to be larger due to the common practice of multiple generations and extended family living together. 27% of Asian Americans live in multi-generational homes.
