Posted on 53,057 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?

53,057 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants”

  1. This could be the appropriate blog for hopes to check out this topic. You already know a great deal its almost tricky to argue with you (not that When i would want…HaHa). You definitely put a fresh spin using a topic thats been discussing for many years. Wonderful stuff, just fantastic! https://arcade83.us/

    Reply

  2. Greetings from Idaho! I’m bored at work so I decided to check out your site on my iphone during lunch break.

    I enjoy the knowledge you provide here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home.
    I’m surprised at how quick your blog loaded on my cell phone ..
    I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, awesome
    site!

    Also visit my web page: mitolyn reviews

    Reply

  4. This article was written by a real thinking writer without a doubt. I agree many of the with the solid points made by the writer. I’ll be back day in and day for further new updates. CryptoTalksDaily

    Reply

  5. This is my first time i visit here. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here! keep up the good work chennai escorts

    Reply

  6. “Rayakan Tahun Baru 2025 dengan kesempatan menang besar di CHUTOGEL! Nikmati slot gacor dan pasaran togel terlengkap dengan peluang jackpot yang menggiurkan. Jangan lewatkan promo spesial, hanya berlaku di CHUTOGEL! Segera daftarkan diri Anda dan raih kemenangan yang telah menanti di CHUTOGEL! Dengan RTP tinggi dan sistem yang fair, CHUTOGEL adalah pilihan tepat untuk meraih keuntungan di 2025. Jangan tunggu lagi, cek CHUTOGEL dan mulai bermain sekarang juga! Kami menjamin pengalaman bermain yang tidak terlupakan di CHUTOGEL, situs terpercaya dan aman. Rasakan sensasi jackpot hanya di CHUTOGEL yang sudah dikenal luas. Bergabunglah dengan ribuan pemenang dan mulailah perjalanan Anda di CHUTOGEL!”
    #CHUTOGEL

    Reply

  7. Local Flavor: Highlighting local culture or traditions tied to the event location can make broadcasts more relatable and enriching. NBA중계

    Reply

  10. Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really well written article.
    I’ll be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post.
    I will definitely comeback.

    Feel free to visit my page; 1win Games – 1win-apk-chily.xyz –

    Reply

  11. I must say that it is a superb post..Really we are impressed out of this post….the one who create this post it had been an amazing human. I put one of the links to your blog inside my site, we do hope you don’t mind? onlyfinder

    Reply

  12. tg纸飞机官网，在Telegram中，你可以通过表情、贴纸表达情感，让聊天更加生动有趣。telegram下载，通过Telegram的投票功能，轻松收集意见，快速做出决策。

    Reply

  14. F168là nhà cái trực tuyến uy tín, được cấp phép hoạt động hợp pháp bởi Isle of Man và Khu Kinh tế Cagayan Freeport.

    Reply

  17. Great – I should certainly pronounce, impressed with your site. I had no trouble navigating through all tabs and related information ended up being truly easy to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it at all. Reasonably unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or anything, web site theme . a tones way for your client to communicate. Nice task. visum til landet albanien

    Reply

  18. River City Photography in Richmond specializes in capturing striking visuals for real estate, architecture, corporate branding, and interior design. We provide high-quality imagery that highlights the beauty and functionality of spaces, tailored to showcase properties, projects, or brand stories effectively. Whether you need crisp real estate shots, detailed architectural captures, or polished corporate and interior visuals, our expertise ensures your vision is brought to life. Partner with us to make your projects stand out.

    Reply

  19. online games that already provide various types of games such as slots and also lottery, we have a site that has been programmed for all of you to make it easy to get victory and also abundant bonuses you can get here. And this site also has a very unique and interesting feature that will make you interested in this site https://hoogle.today

    Reply

  20. Thank you for yet another great informative article, I’m a loyal reader to this blog and I can’t stress enough how much valuable information I’ve learned from reading your content. I really appreciate all the hard work you put into this great site. đường link qh88

    Reply

  32. Brejp65 By following games based on recommendations, members will definitely play the hottest games at that time

    Reply

  37. Websites that provide slot and lottery games that can make money in a short time and with extraordinary prizes that you can get only on the website link on the side and visit directly link bandar togel

    Reply

  39. Hello There. I found your weblog the usage of msn. That is a very smartly written article.

    I will make sure to bookmark it and return to learn extra of your useful information. Thanks for the post.
    I will certainly comeback.

    Feel free to visit my web-site – online medicine order discount

    Reply

  42. Legoace There is definitely a reason why thousands of active members feel at home playing online slots

    Reply

  49. In the world of online slot and lottery games, it is very important to have a trusted website, with big winning prizes and opportunities for you to win them. Our site also has abundant bonuses so that players really like to play it here waktogel

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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