Posted on 50,939 Comments on Access to Healthcare for Immigrants

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?

50,939 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants”

  4. I can see that you are an expert at your field! I am launching a website soon, and your information will be very useful for me.. Thanks for all your help and wishing you all the success in your business. Zonnepanelen met batterij

    Reply

  5. I finally found great post here.I will get back here. I just added your blog to my bookmark sites. thanks.Quality posts is the crucial to invite the visitors to visit the web page, that’s what this web page is providing. Zonnepanelen installateur

    Reply

  8. Mawartoto ialah situs toto & toto togel 4d resmi berhadiah terbesar terpercaya di Indonesia, dengan prediksi toto jitu paling akurat dan terbaik. situs toto

    Reply

  9. Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Any way I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon. Reiki

    Reply

  11. Mawartoto adalah Situs Slot777 Gampang Menang Maxwin. Dengan informasi Rtp Slot Gacor terakreditasi yang hendak menciptakan kemenangan terbanyak malam hari ini. slot gacor

    Reply

  12. An intriguing discussion may be valued at comment. There’s no doubt that that you ought to write much more about this topic, it will not be described as a taboo subject but usually folks are too little to chat on such topics. To a higher. Cheers Luck8

    Reply

  14. 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. In fact your creative writing abilities has inspired me to start my own Blog Engine blog now. Really the blogging is spreading its wings rapidly. Your write up is a fine example of it. Thuisbatterij kopen

    Reply

  15. This is a great article thanks for sharing this informative information. I will visit your blog regularly for some latest post. I will visit your blog regularly for Some latest post. Zonnepanelen Antwerpen

    Reply

  16. I will really appreciate the writer’s choice for choosing this excellent article appropriate to my matter.Here is deep description about the article matter which helped me more. Zonnepanelen Limburg

    Reply

  18. They’re produced by the very best degree developers who will be distinguished for your polo dress creating. You’ll find polo Ron Lauren inside exclusive array which include particular classes for men, women. Zonnnepanelen kopen

    Reply

  19. […]we like to honor many other internet sites on the web, even if they aren’t linked to us, by linking to them. Under are some webpages worth checking out[…]… https://trdwtr.com/

    Reply

  20. I really appreciate the kind of topics you post here. Thanks for sharing us a great information that is actually helpful. Good day! Beliebtpromi

    Reply

  21. This is highly informatics, crisp and clear. I think that everything has been described in systematic manner so that reader could get maximum information and learn many things. Deutschzeiten

    Reply

  22. Discovering articles that educate and inspire is always a joy. Thanks for this post, your dedication to the community is appreciated.
    SEO

    Reply

  24. Good – I should definitely pronounce, impressed with your website. I had no trouble navigating through all tabs as well as related info ended up being truly easy to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it at all. Quite unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or anything, site theme . a tones way for your client to communicate. Nice task.. https://luck8.vote

    Reply

  25. The best articles are those that truly enrich lives. Thanks for sharing this, your effort supports the community wonderfully.
    web

    Reply

  26. Therefore it is preferable that you ought to pertaining learn well before constructing. You possibly can share improved present inside a. bokep abg sma

    Reply

  27. Indore is the ancient holiest location; it is a very unique and popular spot to come during your vacations or weekends to witness the natural beauty and enjoy the great weather. It has lots with tempting hotels and resorts to stay at. Many individuals come to Indore Escorts every day for business meetings. Sex with an escort is very important for a man because he never gets full sexual satisfaction with his wife, which has a negative impact on their business.

    Reply

  28. Insightful and engaging posts are always appreciated. Thanks for sharing, your contribution makes a positive impact.
    sitioweb

    Reply

  30. Nusa21 menyediakan forum diskusi dan fitur live chat yang memungkinkan Anda untuk berinteraksi dengan pemain lain

    Reply

  31. Odigo Komunitas yang solid ini akan membuat Anda merasa tidak sendirian dalam perjalanan bermain togel online

    Reply

  32. Pandora888 Respon yang cepat dan solusi yang tepat akan diberikan untuk memastikan kenyamanan dan kepuasan Anda sebagai member

    Reply

  33. Spincity Bergabunglah sekarang dan rasakan sendiri sensasi bermain togel online yang lebih mudah, aman, dan menguntungkan!

    Reply

  36. Deragon222 menawarkan berbagai jenis taruhan togel online hari ini dengan tingkat kesulitan dan peluang menang yang berbeda-beda

    Reply

  38. G88 Anda dapat mencari prediksi togel dari sumber-sumber terpercaya atau melakukan analisis sendiri berdasarkan data keluaran sebelumnya

    Reply

  43. Kingbet Bonus ini memberikan kesempatan bagi pemain untuk mencoba berbagai permainan tanpa harus mengeluarkan modal besar, sehingga mereka dapat lebih leluasa dalam mengeksplorasi game favorit mereka

    Reply

  45. 이 글은 정말 놀라울 정도로 훌륭합니다! 다음 글도 정말 기대돼요. 제 사이트를 방문하셔서 제 글들도 한 번 읽어보시면 좋겠습니다! – 동행복권 결과들

    Reply

  47. I’m impressed, I have to admit. Genuinely rarely can i encounter a weblog that’s both educative and entertaining, and without a doubt, you could have hit the nail about the head. Your notion is outstanding; the catch is an element that inadequate persons are speaking intelligently about. I’m very happy we stumbled across this in my seek out something concerning this. https://luck8.vote

    Reply

  48. Good Post, I am a big believer in placing comments on weblogs to let the blog writers know that they’ve added something advantageous to the world wide web! https://luck8.vote

    Reply

  49. convertsaldopaypal.id
    We are convertsaldopaypal.id a gaggle of
    volunteers and convertsaldopaypal.id opening a new scheme in our community.
    Your convertsaldopaypal.id web site convertsaldopaypal.id offered us with helpful information to work on. convertsaldopaypal.id You’ve convertsaldopaypal.id done an impressive
    convertsaldopaypal.id job and our whole convertsaldopaypal.id neighborhood will
    be grateful to you.

    my web site :: klik disini

    Reply

  50. Finding articles that inspire and inform is a pleasure. Thank you for sharing this, your work is highly appreciated.
    Website

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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