Objective:

To conduct an assessment of migrant people regarding their access to the health system following entry into force of Royal Decree-Law 16/2012 along with the impact of economic cuts on such access.

Method:

Qualitative phenomenological study with semi-structured interviews, conducted in Andalusia (Spain), in two phases (2009-2010 and 2012-2013), with 36 participants. The sample was segmented by length of stay, nationality and area of residence. The nationalities of origin are Bolivia, Morocco and Romania.

Results:

Elements facilitating access in both periods: regular administrative situation, possession of Individual Health Card, knowledge of the language, social networks and information. The results show differences in access to health care for migrants before and after the enforcement of the RDL 16/2012, within austerity policies. In the second period, access barriers such as waiting times or incompatibility of schedules are aggravated and the socio-economic and administrative conditions of participants worsen.

Conclusions:

The design of policies, economic and regulatory health care, should take into account barriers and facilitators of access as fundamental main points of health protection for migrants and, therefore, for the general population.

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