risk across borders: a study of the potential of microinsurance products to help migrants cope wi...

Acknowledgments This report was prepared and compiled by EA Consultants with contributions from Appleseed. It was commissioned by the Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF), member of the Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDB).

It was authored by Barbara Magnoni with Annette Lovoi, Julia Brown and Dr. Rebecca Thornton and with the invaluable assistance of Magali Montes, who worked closely with hometown associations and Mexicans in New York to identify some of the main challenges to their access to insurance products; Emily Zimmerman, who provided support in reviewing Appleseed’s legal material and drafting final content for this research publication; Shannon Skinner, who provided her expertise and knowledge of New York City’s complex health services for this research; and Betty Salanic, who provided general support on the field research and who, along with Judith Hernandez, “mystery shopped”, speaking to insurance companies, brokers, and remittance agencies among others. We also recognize the legal input received from Kelsey Snapp at Appleseed as well as the support of Natasha Bajuk, Gregory Watson and Maria Luisa Hayem Breve from the IDB/MIF. We acknowledge the insight and support of Ambassador Carlos Garcia de Alba, of the Institute for Mexicans Abroad (IME); the Consulate of Mexico in New York City; Father Kevin Sweeny of St. Michael’s Church in Brooklyn, Sister Julia of St. Jerome, HANDS Community Center in the South Bronx, and Adrian Franco of Qualitas of Life, New York.

Finally, we would like to thank the over 1,000 Mexican American immigrants in New York City who generously offered us their trust and their time to talk to us about the cross border risks that they and their families face on a daily basis. We are hopeful that the results of this research can benefit them in the near future.