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?
50,857 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants”
situs slot online yang wajib anda coba cuman di TANTE777
antani
Guys you can try make profit konohatoto78 Come here🤩
konohatoto78
“Unlock the secrets of Yoni Massage the ancient practice of self-discovery and deep relaxation. Embrace its transformative power to heal, empower, and rejuvenate both body and mind. Explore how this sacred art can enhance your well-being, nurture intimacy, and bring balance into your daily life. ✨ Click to learn more today!”
dfschiangmai
You know your projects stand out of the herd. There is something special about them. It seems to me all of them are really brilliant! 토토사이트
토토사이트
I’m not that much of a online reader to be honest but your sites really nice, keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your site to come back later. Many thanks obliviontaproom.com
tahir
lifepo4 aküLityum LİFEPO4 AküLityum LiFePO akülerle enerji depolama ihtiyaçlarınıza yenilikçi çözümler sunuyoruz. Ürünlerimizi hemen keşfedin.
TEMPOTOTO
bs batterytüm batarya çeşitleri için hemen iletişime geç
TEMPOTOTO
There are many dissertation websites while using the net as soon as you grow to be simply mentioned in the website. Lifeguard courses near me
American Lifeguard
I every time used to study article in news papers but now as I
am a user of web so from now I am using net for content,
thanks to web.
Also visit my site – web site
Kara
Hello I am so delighted I located your blog, I really located you by mistake, while I was watching on google for something else, Anyways I am here now and could just like to say thank for a tremendous post and a all round entertaining website. Please do keep up the great work. Sins88
Owais Khokhar
Thank you for the thought-provoking content on your site. ใลน์huaybee
ใลน์huaybee
I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. I am hoping the same best work from you in the future as well. Thanks… dewacuan
Owais Khokhar
“Discover the ultimate relaxation with outcall massage Patong! Explore expert services brought directly to your doorstep, ensuring a serene and rejuvenating experience in the heart of paradise. Click now to learn more and indulge in unmatched comfort!”
runjuanmassagepkt
درود بر شما! از وقتی این سایت رو پیدا کردم، کلی اطلاعات جدید یاد گرفتم و واقعاً از محتواهای باکیفیت شما بهرهمند شدم.
امیدوارم همیشه همینقدر عالی بمونید و موفق باشید!
همچنین پیشنهاد میکنم برای بهبود سئو سایت خود، بکلینکهای سایدبار را از virgool.io خریداری کنید.
برای تماس با من به تلگرام @myd_80 مراجعه کنید.
ما یک گروه سئو پرم در تلگرام
داریم و پستهای مهمان با کیفیت برای فروش ارائه میدهیم.
Also visit my blog همکاری برای پروژههای لینکسازی
Bradford
So what are you waiting for? Register now at COLOKSGP and get the best online slot experience only here! coloksgp
Ahmed Raza
I should say only that its awesome! The blog is informational and always produce amazing things. pbn murah
pbn murah
SITUS SLOT TERPERCAYA FOR4D Situs Slot Terpercaya Gacor Gampang Maxwin Setiap Hari
SITUSSLOT
Simply this site is likely to it goes without saying quite possibly possibly be renowned affecting quite a few information sites person’s, to its aware content pieces or it could be viewpoints. Purple peel exploit
CapCut APK
I am truly impressed by black platinum commitment to excellence and sophistication! As the founder, Alma Alison has truly crafted a platform that offers a diverse range of top-tier products and services, each carefully selected to meet the highest standards. The attention to detail and focus on superior craftsmanship really set Black Platinum apart from other brands in the market. It’s clear that every offering reflects the company’s dedication to delivering an exceptional experience for discerning customers. I look forward to seeing more of what Black Platinum has to offer in the future!
Alma Alison