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?

19,543 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants

  1. KS-AC Repair the best air conditioning and TV repair services in Jumeirah Golf Estates – Dubai! Our AC service team delivers prompt and efficient solutions such as AC duct cleaning, AC repair near me and AC maintenance Dubai. We are the best AC service company Dubai for both Split AC repair Dubai and central ac repair Dubai, 24-hour emergency air conditioning repair service. Experience the best AC services in Dubai with prompt service. KS provide excellent TV repair services. We fix everything from Samsung qled TV repair to LG TV screen repair, led TV repair to Smart TVs. Our TV repair experts provide speedy and dependable solutions. Choose our AC and TV repair in Dubai for the fastest, most reliable and simply best service.
    KS – AC Repair

    Reply

  2. Manajemen bankroll yang bijak adalah kunci kesuksesan dalam bermain slot online di Slot Dana. Tetapkan batas taruhan yang Anda nyaman dan hindari menghabiskan lebih dari yang Anda mampu untuk kehilangan

    Reply

  3. I am very glad to know that your site is upgrading from the with simplest to more faster and synchronized form. I am quite familiar of a lot of sites since I work as a freelance writer and one of the sites that I find evolve is your site respectively. iptv france

    Reply

  4. It was a symphony of ideas in your post! I’m eager to interact with people of all backgrounds and find thought-provoking information on outlook signup now.

    Reply

  5. Hi there, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar one and i was just curious if you get a lot of spam feedback? If so how do you stop it, any plugin or anything you can suggest? I get so much lately it’s driving me crazy so any support is very much appreciated. iptv m3u

    Reply

  6. Stay Connected at Lightning Speeds: Unleashing the Power of 5G Mobile Internet
    Introduction
    In this modern era, where staying connected is more important than ever, the power of 5G mobile internet has revolutionized the way we communicate, work, and play. With lightning-fast speeds and incredible reliability, 5G technology is changing the game for mobile users around the world. Let’s delve into the exciting world of 5G and uncover how it is reshaping our digital landscape.
    What is 5G Mobile Internet?
    мобильный интернет 5g is the fifth generation of wireless technology, offering faster speeds, lower latency, and increased capacity compared to its predecessor, 4G. With download speeds that can reach up to 10 gigabits per second, 5G is designed to handle the exponentially growing demand for data in our hyper-connected world.
    How Does 5G Work?
    Unlike 4G, which relies on large cell towers to transmit signals, 5G utilizes a network of smaller cells placed closer together. These small cells use high-frequency radio waves to transmit data at incredibly fast speeds. This dense network of cells allows for more efficient data transfer, resulting in a more seamless and reliable connection for users.
    What Are the Benefits of 5G?
    • Faster Speeds: With 5G, you can download movies in seconds, stream high-quality video without buffering, and enjoy lag-free online gaming.
    • Lower Latency: The reduced latency of 5G means that data can travel back and forth between devices almost instantaneously, making real-time communication and collaboration smoother than ever before.
    • Increased Capacity: 5G can support a larger number of connected devices in a given area, making it ideal for crowded urban environments and events with high data usage.
    How Can You Take Advantage of 5G?
    To make the most of 5G technology, you’ll need a 5G-enabled device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or hotspot. Many manufacturers are now releasing devices that are compatible with 5G networks, allowing users to experience the lightning-fast speeds and enhanced performance that 5G has to offer.
    Is 5G Available Everywhere?
    While 5G is rapidly expanding across the globe, coverage may vary depending on your location. Major metropolitan areas are more likely to have 5G coverage, while rural areas and smaller cities may have limited access to this technology. Check with your mobile carrier to see if 5G is available in your area.
    The Future of 5G
    As 5G continues to roll out around the world, we can expect to see even greater advancements in technology and connectivity. From smart cities and autonomous vehicles to augmented reality and virtual reality experiences, the possibilities with 5G are endless. By harnessing the power of 5G mobile internet, we are entering a new era of innovation and connectivity.
    Conclusion
    Stay connected at lightning speeds with 5G mobile internet and unlock a world of possibilities. Whether you’re streaming your favorite shows, collaborating with colleagues in real-time, or exploring the latest AR experiences, 5G technology is making it all possible. Embrace the future of connectivity and experience the power of 5G for yourself.
    Meta Description: Discover the power of 5G mobile internet and how it is revolutionizing connectivity at lightning speeds. Stay connected like never before with 5G technology.

    Reply

  7. Wow, What an Outstanding post. I found this too much informatics. It is what I was seeking for. I would like to recommend you that please keep sharing such type of info.If possible, Thanks. Tymoff

    Reply

  8. بهترین مبل شویی در تهران و کرج شستشوی انواع مبل های ایرانی و خارجی در منزل با دستگاه و مواد شوینده نانو
    ارائه می شود مبل شویی در منزل به صورت تخصصی انجام می شود

    Reply

  9. بهترین مبل شویی در منزل با دستگاه و مواد شوینده به صورت تخصصی انجام می شود مبل های خود را به متخصص های ما بسپارید

    Reply

  10. خشکشویی مبل ، موکت، خوشخواب و فرش در منزل با دستگاهو مواد شوینده نانو ارائه می شود

    Reply

  11. After study several of the blogs with your website now, i truly much like your strategy for blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark web site list and will be checking back soon. Pls look at my internet site at the same time and make me aware if you agree. code promo 1xbet gratuit

    Reply

Leave a Reply to Shane Tyson Cancel reply

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