Posted on 47,112 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?

47,112 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants”

  1. If I were the one having to write this content, all these readers would be disappointed. It’s a good thing you are the writer and you bring fresh ideas to us all. This is interesting. LINK AKSLOT

    Reply

  2. The electronic cigarette uses a battery and a small heating component the vaporize the e-liquid. This vapor can then be inhaled and exhaled bitcoin news

    Reply

  5. CaVPS Host is a top-tier hosting provider that offers reliable and efficient web hosting solutions for businesses and individuals alike. With their exceptional services, they ensure that your website remains accessible and performs optimally at all times. Their team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing exceptional customer support and ensuring a seamless hosting experience. Whether youre a small business owner or a large corporation, CaVPS Host has the perfect hosting package to meet your specific needs. Trust in CaVPS Host to deliver unparalleled reliability, speed, and security for your online presence.

    Reply

  6. Recite the Rabbanaghfirli Waliwalidayya Dua: “Rabbighfir li wa liwalidayya wa lil Mu’mineena yawma yaqumul hisaab” which translates to “My Lord! Forgive me, and my parents, and all the believers on the Day of Reckoning.”

    Reply

  8. “Digesting the Putin shock of high energy and food prices, the eurozone economy has regained a little momentum in the last few months,” analysts at Berenberg said in a research note on Monday.  먹튀검증

    Reply

  9. There are much from this advertisment i usually couldn’t comprise of looked at by myself. Your articles helps lovers reasons to consider during the invaluable tactic. acim

    Reply

  13. Save America was already under scrutiny by the special counsel Jack Smith for paying lawyers representing witnesses in cases against Mr. Trump.  토토사이트

    Reply

  17. This includes optimizing images, improving page load speed, and ensuring a user-friendly experience. Off-page optimization, Guest postingon the other hand, focuses on building a strong online presence through activities like link-building and social media engagement.

    Reply

  19. When considering hiring aLahore Call Girls
    , researching on the internet is the first step in finding the right one. Many reputable agencies have websites that provide detailed information about their services and escorts, allowing customers to make informed decisions when selecting an escort for their needs. Additionally, these websites often contain reviews from past clients which can be helpful in determining if an agency or specific escort is worth investing in.

    Reply

  22. PERDANA138 adalah permainan games online slot hiburan terbaru dengan variasi ID VIP Pro Akun Resmi Link Login Daftar Terbaru PERDANA138 Slot Indonesia tanpa pamrih dapatkan sekarang juga akun jago main anda.

    Reply

  24. Drawing upon the deep-rooted customs and rituals of the region, Pingtung Funeral Home delicately weaves the threads of tradition into every aspect of its services. 屏東葬儀社

    Reply

  27. I’ve been troubled for several days with this topic. totosite, But by chance looking at your post solved my problem! I will leave my blog, so when would you like to visit it?

    Reply

  31. Great post however , I was wanting to know if you could write a litte more on this subject? I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit further. Bless you! aston 138

    Reply

  32. I simply wanted to thank you a lot more for your amazing website you have developed here. It can be full of useful tips for those who are actually interested in this specific subject, primarily this very post. Your all so sweet in addition to thoughtful of others and reading the blog posts is a great delight in my opinion. And thats a generous present! Dan and I usually have enjoyment making use of your recommendations in what we need to do in the near future. Our checklist is a distance long and tips will certainly be put to excellent use. ولف بت

    Reply

  33. I simply wanted to thank you a lot more for your amazing website you have developed here. It can be full of useful tips for those who are actually interested in this specific subject, primarily this very post. Your all so sweet in addition to thoughtful of others and reading the blog posts is a great delight in my opinion. ولف بت

    Reply

  38. I was curious if you ever considered changing the page layout of your blog? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having one or two pictures. Maybe you could space it out better? Send Cake to Mumbai

    Reply

  44. From my opinion, nothing at all consequently catching being keenness, the idea carressed pure stone, it’s substance concerning hope. Sturdy faith would be successful with all of the effective fellow, and then suggest these individuals more substantial.
    카지노사이트

    Reply

  47. Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point. You clearly know what youre talking about, why throw away your intelligence on just posting videos to your weblog when you could be giving us something informative to read? News

    Reply

  50. His mind became a canvas filled with images of long-lost landscapes, envisioning the sights and sounds of a bygone era. 토토힐

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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