Posted on 53,962 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?

53,962 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants”

  2. you are soooo talented on paper. God is truly utilizing you within tremendous ways. You are carrying out a excellent work! It was an excellent weblog! đăng nhập vvvwin

    Reply

  3. I have been absent for some time, but now I remember why I used to love this website. Thanks , I’ll try and check back more often. How frequently you update your web site? đăng nhập vvvwin

    Reply

  8. Nice post. I learn something more challenging on distinct blogs everyday. It will always be stimulating to read content off their writers and practice a little something from their store. I’d choose to use some with all the content in my small weblog whether you do not mind. Natually I’ll provide a link on your own internet weblog. Many thanks sharing. ufx789.net

    Reply

  9. Good work, I enjoyed – Gulvafslibning | Kurt Gulvmand. It was good. View my blog sometime, it all about Lake Mary, FL Real Estate. Mounjaro

    Reply

  10. I appreciate your information in this article. It’s smart, well-written and easy to understand. You have my attention on this subject. I will be back. nhà cái max88

    Reply

  11. I would like to express my appreciation to you just for bailing me out of this setting. Just after researching through the internet and seeing basics which were not pleasant, I thought my entire life was done. Living minus the solutions to the problems you’ve fixed through your entire short post is a serious case, as well as ones that might have in a wrong way damaged my entire career if I hadn’t come across your web page. The training and kindness in maneuvering every item was very helpful. I am not sure what I would have done if I hadn’t encountered such a point like this. I can at this point relish my future. Thanks so much for your high quality and result oriented help. I won’t hesitate to suggest your site to any person who requires guide on this subject. thermal protector

    Reply

  13. I am impressed. I don’t think Ive met anyone who knows as much about this subject as you do. You are truly well informed and very intelligent. You wrote something that people could understand and made the subject intriguing for everyone. Really, great blog you have got here. 電子煙

    Reply

  15. I am thankful to you for sharing this plethora of useful information. I found this resource utmost beneficial for me. Thanks a lot for hard work. situs toto slot

    Reply

  16. Hello, I discovered your weblog in the new directory of blogs. I dont know how your website emerged. Your weblog looks good. Enjoy a nice day. Domain authority

    Reply

  19. The subsequent seems including it goes without saying excellent. Almost all these trivial details are meant by employing volume of footing understanding. I love to these individuals drastically. mmlive

    Reply

  21. Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read something such as this before. So nice to search out somebody with authentic applying for grants this subject. realy i appreciate you for starting this up. this fabulous website are some things that’s needed on the internet, somebody after some bit originality. helpful purpose of bringing new things to your web! 한국야동

    Reply

  25. I am impressed. I don’t think Ive met anyone who knows as much about this subject as you do. You are truly well informed and very intelligent. You wrote something that people could understand and made the subject intriguing for everyone. Really, great blog you have got here. crypto

    Reply

  26. You make so many great points here that I read your article a couple of times. Your views are in accordance with my own for the most part. This is great content for your readers. 레플리카 쇼핑몰

    Reply

  29. This particular papers fabulous, and My spouse and i enjoy each of the perform that you have placed into this. I’m sure that you will be making a really useful place. I has been additionally pleased. Good perform! telegram中文

    Reply

  30. Bet88 là nhà cái cá cược trực tuyến uy tín, được cấp phép hoạt động bởi chính phủ Philippines và chứng nhận bởi GEOTRUST. Với đa dạng sản phẩm như cá cược thể thao, slot game, xổ số và nhiều trò chơi hấp dẫn khác, Bet88 mang đến trải nghiệm giải trí đỉnh cao cho người chơi. Hãy đăng ký ngay tại https://bet88.love/ để có thể nhận được những khuyến mãi khủng.

    Reply

  32. Interesting post. I Have Been wondering about this issue, so thanks for posting. Pretty cool post.It ‘s really very nice and Useful post.Thanks 电报

    Reply

  34. 토토사이트 관련 정보를 소개합니다. 먹튀검증을 완료한 안전놀이터 및 메이저사이트 사설토토 등을 추천하오니 안전한 플레이를 원하시는 유저분들의 많은 이용 부탁드립니다. 합법토토부터 사설토토, 국내토토와 해외토토에 이르기까지 다양한 정보를 제공하고 있습니다. 토토사이트추천

    Reply

  35. That appears to be without doubt terrific. A good number of teeny facts are meant experiencing great deal of background abilities. I will be interested the thing a large amount. princess for birthday party

    Reply

  36. It’s really nice and meanful. it’s really cool blog. Linking is very useful thing.you have really helped lots of people who visit blog and provide them usefull information.Google Ads for dentists

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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