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?
50,607 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants”
Being around you is like a happy little vacation! BOLA99
baloon
An attention-grabbing discussion is worth comment. I believe that you should write more on this matter, it won’t be a taboo topic however usually persons are not sufficient to talk on such topics. To the next. Cheers funeral homes Fort Worth TX
yousuf
How do you keep being so funny and making everyone laugh? BOLA99\
baloon
Are you looking for top-notch sanitization services in Abu Dhabi? Green Buildings Facility Management LLC offers professional and reliable sanitization solutions to ensure a clean and safe environment for your home or business. Our expert team uses advanced equipment and eco-friendly disinfectants to eliminate harmful bacteria, viruses, and allergens, providing a healthier space. Whether it's residential, commercial, or industrial properties, we deliver thorough and efficient sanitization tailored to your needs. Established in 2010, we are committed to excellence and customer satisfaction. Visit Green Buildings Facility Management LLC today for trusted sanitization services in Abu Dhabi.
Mira Alaya
Spot up with this write-up, I really think this excellent website wants much more consideration. I’ll oftimes be once more to learn considerably more, thanks for that information. rikvip
aaliyan
An interesting discussion may be worth comment. I do think that you simply write on this topic, it will not certainly be a taboo subject but normally consumers are insufficient to communicate on such topics. To a higher. Cheers https://33wins.me/
KASHIF KHAN
The internet has been considered as one of the best ways to find a reputed and known SEO company. Apart from high quality services, its response towards customers is prompt and satisfactory. Search a company and get associated with it for your SEO services. nhà cái sumclub
abdul haq
This is certainly in the process an exceptionally superior ad people very seriously suffered browsing thru. It is actually hardly every single day you’ll find associated risk to visit a little something. bandar toto macau
tahir
Thanks for another wonderful post. Where else could anybody get that type of info in such an ideal way of writing?
togel online
togel online
It was a profound read. Latest free SC-100 study questions has fantastic resources available to you at no charge.
Chris Hunt
Thank you for writing such an insightful post. It’s an excellent resource for the community!
Landing Page
Hugo Rodriguez
Thanks for another wonderful post. Where else could type of info in such an ideal way of writing?
bandar togel online
bandar togel online
Emotional attention, self-control, approval, adhere to, patience but also security. These are typically among the issues that Tang Soo Can do, most of the Thai martial art attached to self defense purposes, can show buyers plus instilling in your soul the means not just to maintain with your own eyes on the competency on the very first real danger stains to cure confrontation all in all. mmswa01
yousuf
Hi just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know a few of the pictures aren’t loading properly. I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different browsers and both show the same results. https://33wins.me/
kahsif
Excellent .. Amazing .. I’ll bookmark your blog and take the feeds also…I’m happy to find so many useful info here in the post, we need work out more techniques in this regard, thanks for sharing. Movers
jacvk22
How do you keep being so funny and making everyone laugh? BOLA99
baloon
Jamia Amman Al Ahliyya, also known as Al-Ahliyya Amman University (AAU), is one of Jordan’s most esteemed higher education institutions. Established in 1975, it has built a strong reputation for delivering quality education and fostering innovation in various academic fields. Over the years, it has grown into a key player in Jordan’s academic landscape, providing students with the tools they need to succeed both locally and internationally.
Jamia Amman Al Ahliyya
sigap168
SIGAP168 adalah situs game slot online mudah maxwin dengan RTP 99 tinggi dan pelayanan 24 jam Sedia ribuan game judi slot pragmatic gacor Ayo daftar slot sekarang!
#To know about more visit our website: https://sigap168.pro/
Sigap
Being around you is like a happy little vacation! BOLA99
1
baloon
“”Its always good to learn tips like you share for blog posting. As I just started posting comments for blog and facing problem of lots of rejections. I think your suggestion would be helpful for me. I will let you know if its work for me too.” https://33wins.me/
KASHIF KHAN
Your effort to create meaningful content is commendable. Thanks for this amazing post!
Pines
Victoria Gonzalez