Access to Healthcare for Immigrants

Access to healthcare can be determined by several factors (i.e. geographical location, income, insurance)–being an immigrant, especially a recent immigrant to the U.S., is one of these factors. In Albany, NY, the immigrant population has grown over the past few years and currently, 13.2% of the population consists of individuals that were not born in the U.S. (1). Coming to a new country presents many unique challenges, but access to healthcare is one that can prevent individuals from adjusting well and living a safe and healthy lifestyle.

Health Insurance

Due to their lack of citizenship after first moving to the U.S., health insurance options can be limited for immigrants, especially for undocumented immigrants (2). This limits access to many providers who only accept patients with insurance, and while undocumented immigrants can sometimes receive care from community health centers, this care is often only basic primary care or to be used in emergencies (2).

In New York state, all children can receive the Child Health Plus plan, regardless of their immigration status. This plan is comprehensive and includes preventative care, well-child visits, and emergency services (3). Additionally, pregnant women can receive Medicaid regardless of immigration status and some documented immigrants may qualify for the Essential Plan soon after they move to NY (2). However, if an individual does not fit into these categories, the only services that an undocumented immigrant may receive are emergency services (2). While this is beneficial, it leaves out the preventative care and services that can treat symptoms before they worsen beyond control.

Translation Services & Health Literacy

Many immigrant families, especially when they first immigrate to the U.S., are considered to have low English proficiency (LEP). This makes communication in healthcare settings a challenge and can be a barrier to receiving quality care, as the patient and provider cannot have a direct, fluid conversation. Some health care settings in New York have put up this ‘Language Identification Tool Poster’ that allows patients to point to their language, so that appropriate translation services may be provided.  A portion of the poster is shown below, with a link to the full poster here:

While resources such as this poster can help, patients and providers would still not be able to speak directly to each other, and would only be able to communicate through a translator.

Additionally, understanding health insurance options can also be difficult when there is a language barrier, as there are different requirements for each plan. A search engine can be found here for in-person help. This search engine consists of a directory of in-person helpers that can assist individuals in navigating the health system and health insurance plans specifically. While only eight languages are supported, including English, this service can benefit some individuals in understanding how to receive health services for themselves and their families.

COVID-19

With the current pandemic, language barriers present a unique challenge in being able to transmit public health information clearly to the general population. As immigrants make up a large portion of the population, it is essential that they understand basic information about the virus and are able to practice appropriate measures to limit the spread of the virus. Valleywise Health Medical Center in Arizona has made a series of videos available on Youtube that describe what COVID-19 is and what to do if you are sick. These videos have been made available in 12 languages, one of which can be played below.

These videos can be incredibly helpful for individuals that may not understand what is happening in their local communities as a result the virus, but coming across these videos may not be common for many immigrants, as they require some searching. It would therefore be helpful for similar resources and information to be sent to or made available to local communities, either in the style of videos or in pamphlet form.

While many resources exist to help immigrants navigate the healthcare system and obtain information about resources, these resources are not always used or made readily available to immigrant families. Many require searching and prior knowledge about websites and organizations that usually provide public health, insurance, and language services. In the future, it would be important to ensure that immigrants are aware of the resources that exist so that they can have access to the healthcare that they might need. What are some ways this could be done?

37,938 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants

  1. 그것은 매우 유익하고 당신은 분명히이 분야에 대해 매우 잘 알고 있습니다. 흥미롭고 탄탄한 내용으로이 주제에 대한 다양한 견해에 눈을 뜨 셨습니다. 오피

    Reply

  2. I simply want to tell you that I am new to weblog and definitely liked this blog site. Very likely I’m going to bookmark your blog. You absolutely have wonderful stories. Cheers for sharing with us your blog 티비사이트

    Reply

  3. 방문자에게 제공하는 최고 품질의 정보를 정말로 즐겼다 ​​고 말하기 전에 웹 사이트를 떠날 수 없었습니까? 새로운 게시물을 확인하기 위해 자주 다시 올 것입니다. 헬로밤

    Reply

  4. 와우 … 정말 멋진 블로그입니다.이 글을 쓴 글쓴이는 정말 훌륭한 블로거입니다.이 글은 제가 더 나은 사람이되도록 영감을줍니다. 오피뷰

    Reply

  5. 방문자에게 제공하는 최고 품질의 정보를 정말로 즐겼다 ​​고 말하기 전에 웹 사이트를 떠날 수 없었습니까? 새로운 게시물을 확인하기 위해 자주 다시 올 것입니다. 오피뷰주소

    Reply

  6. 그것은 매우 유익하고 당신은 분명히이 분야에 대해 매우 잘 알고 있습니다. 흥미롭고 탄탄한 내용으로이 주제에 대한 다양한 견해에 눈을 뜨 셨습니다. 툰코주소

    Reply

  7. 나는 이것을 읽을 것이다. 다시 올게요. 공유해 주셔서 감사합니다. 그리고이 기사는 우리가 현실을 관찰 할 수있는 빛을 제공합니다. 이것은 매우 좋은 것이며 심층적 인 정보를 제공합니다. 이 멋진 기사에 감사드립니다 .. 부산달리기

    Reply

  8. That is the excellent mindset, nonetheless is just not help to make every sence whatsoever preaching about that mather. Virtually any method many thanks in addition to i had endeavor to promote your own article in to delicius nevertheless it is apparently a dilemma using your information sites can you please recheck the idea. thanks once more. xiu nice

    Reply

  9. Banquet Halls in Peeragarhi | The Maidens Crown
    If you’re searching for the best banquet halls in Peeragarhi, The Maidens Crown offers the perfect blend of luxury and space. Whether it’s a wedding, birthday, or any grand celebration, our venue features modern amenities, spacious interiors, and top-notch services. With attention to detail in every aspect of your event, we ensure a memorable experience for you and your guests. Celebrate in style with The Maidens Crown!

    Visit Now:- https://themaidenscrown.com/

    Reply

  10. That appears to be excellent however i am still not too sure that I like it. At any rate will look far more into it and decide personally! xiu nice

    Reply

  11. hey there and thank you for your information – I have definitely picked up something new from right here. I did however expertise several technical issues using this website, since I experienced to reload the site lots of times previous to I could get it to load correctly. I had been wondering if your hosting is OK? Not that I am complaining, but sluggish loading instances times will often affect your placement in google and can damage your quality score if advertising and marketing with Adwords. Anyway I am adding this RSS to my e-mail and could look out for a lot more of your respective exciting content. Ensure that you update this again very soon.. Lottery Defeater Software

    Reply

  12. This phenomenal shows thoroughly suited. All of humble files are prepared by making use of large number involving expertise functional know-how. I am just willing the idea yet again a lot. jvid

    Reply

  13. I am usually to blogging and i also actually appreciate your website content continuously. Your content has really peaks my interest. I’m going to bookmark your blog and maintain checking for new data. situs togel

    Reply

  14. Friendly Recovery Center is proud to offer specialized PTSD therapy in Tustin, CA, helping individuals overcome trauma and regain control of their lives. Our holistic approach focuses on personalized care, combining counseling, group therapy, and mindfulness practices to support long-term mental wellness.

    Reply

  15. Regular visits listed here are the easiest method to appreciate your energy, which is why why I am going to the website everyday, searching for new, interesting info. Many, thank you  deer antler velvet

    Reply

Leave a Reply to seo Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *