Posted on 53,478 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?

53,478 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants”

  3. whoah this weblog is excellent i love reading your articles. Stay up the good paintings! You already know, lots of persons are looking round for this info, you can aid them greatly. ventricular flutter

    Reply

  5. Thank you, I’ve just been searching for information about this topic for a while and yours is the greatest I’ve discovered till now. But, what in regards to the conclusion? Are you sure concerning the supply? Illinois appeal lawyers

    Reply

  6. 33WIN được mệnh danh là nền tảng cá cược trực tuyến hàng đầu, cung cấp dịch vụ chất lượng, bảo mật cao, và trải nghiệm game đỉnh cao.
    Website: https://33win.compare/

    Reply

  7. You are very cool! I dont suppose I have read something similar to this before. So nice to search out somebody with authentic applying for grants this subject. I really appreciate starting this up. Your website is one area that is needed on the net. Totally a helpful project for bringing new things for the web! quantum manifestation

    Reply

  9. This process is definitely confidently seriously the best choice. Every one with incredibly small streaks will be expected via a variety of tradition capabilities. I like to recommend software program such a large amount. ozenvitta é confiável

    Reply

  10. We stumbled over here by a different page and thought I might check things
    out. I like what I see so i am just following you.

    Look forward to going over your web page yet again.

    Here is my web site URL

    Reply

  14. The attention to detail in this piece is exceptional showcasing dedication and extraordinary talent Bongs

    Reply

  15. A vibrant and engaging work that invites viewers to explore its details and nuances with curiosity Bongs

    Reply

  17. I’m constantly searching on the internet for posts that will help me. Too much is clearly to learn about this. I believe you created good quality items in Functions also. Keep working, congrats! 무료스포츠중계

    Reply

  18. Wow! Such an amazing and helpful post this is. I really really love it. It’s so good and so awesome. I am just amazed. I hope that you continue to do your work like this in the future also. 무료스포츠중계

    Reply

  19. “We type of take on the position as underdogs. “We know we’ve goot
    a job tо do,” Dykes mentioned. Dykess mused this week that he wasn’t positive if his players had been even aware of the place they stood on the sports betting script
    strains. Тhe Oakland Athletics ѡere accused of tanking ᴡhen theʏ traded ɑᴡay most oof thеiг
    gifted gamers ⅼike Matt Olson, Matt Chapman, Chris Bassitt,
    аnd Տean Manaea prior tо thе 2022 MLB season.
    Tanking alsо сɑn result іn strife witһ players’ unions,
    ɑs tanking gгoups select rookiess oon inexpensive contracts ᧐νｅr free brokers ԝanting multimillion-dоllar offеrs.
    Leagues ɑlso see tanking aѕ ɑ risk to their existing revenue streams.

    Cheeck ߋut our showcase to sее ᴡhat we’ve achieved andd get impressed foor ʏoսr individual challenge.
    Ꮃithin the 1983-84 NHL season, tһе Pittsburgh
    Penguins аnd New Jersey Devils admitted tһey needeԀ
    tο lose so aѕ to ɡet the numbeｒ one decjde ѡithin tһe draft andd choose Mario Lemieux.
    Τhis draft is loaded. Tһere are soleⅼｙ
    two outcomes therｅ: Eitheｒ mаke thｅ playoffs and be fіrst-ｒound fodder for one of mɑny premier groups or
    mias the playoffs аnd pick someplace аround 11tһ
    to 14tһ ᴡithin thе draft.

    Reply

  27. This is the right site for anyone who really wants to read or play this site. You can find out so many things that it is almost difficult to leave this site, because this site has articles and slot games along with lotteries too that almost all players get big prizes. Well!, for those of you who want to try it, please visit the website next to this https://retoambiental.co

    Reply

  41. pola188 The game applications in APK games are also very popular so they are loved by thousands of members

    Reply

  48. Mami303 You can look for predictions from trusted sources or do your own analysis based on previous output data

    Reply

  49. To228 remember that predictions do not guarantee victory, so use them as additional considerations only

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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