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?

47,119 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants

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

    Reply

  2. I have been exploring for a bit for any high quality articles or blog posts in this kind of space . Exploring in Yahoo I ultimately stumbled upon this web site. Studying this information So i am glad to show that I have a very excellent uncanny feeling I discovered just what I needed. I such a lot unquestionably will make sure to do not disregard this website and give it a look regularly. Buy Wonder Bar Mushroom Chocolate IN TEXAS

    Reply

  3. I thought it was heading to become some dull previous publish, however it truly compensated for my time. I’ll publish a hyperlink to this web page on my blog. I am positive my visitors will uncover that extremely helpful. https://bjm.web.id

    Reply

  4. Websites we think you should visit… […]although websites we backlink to below are considerably not related to ours, we feel they are actually worth a go through, so have a look[…]…… China Model & Talent Agency

    Reply

  5. Hollywood rumor 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.

    Reply

  6. We would like to thank you just as before for the stunning ideas you offered Jesse when preparing her own post-graduate research and, most importantly, regarding providing every one of the ideas in one blog post. In case we had been aware of your web page a year ago, we might have been saved the unwanted measures we were implementing. Thank you very much. dewagg

    Reply

  7. Acknowledges suitable for document an incredibly useful solution, As i occured adjacent to your web site in addition to decipher some sort of specific claim. I had desire people approach connected with inscription… ซีรี่ย์ฝรั่ง

    Reply

  8. We don’t trust this amazing submit. Nevertheless, I saw it gazed for Digg along with I’ve determined you could be appropriate so i ended up being imagining within the completely wrong way. Persist with writing top quality stuff along these lines. House Clearance Chigwell

    Reply

  9. Escorts in Lahore
    are professional companions who can provide a wide range of services, from conversation and companionship to intimate activities. Escorting is an increasingly popular service in the city due to its convenience, privacy and anonymity.

    Reply

  10. The Slayer Christmas sweater in Uglychristmassweater.bio combines heavy metal with holiday cheer, appealing to fans of the iconic band looking to celebrate the season in their unique style. This eye-catching garment features the band’s distinctive logo juxtaposed with festive elements like snowflakes and Santa hats. The design perfectly captures the spirit of Slayer while adding a playful twist. Made from high-quality materials, it’s not only a statement piece but also comfortable and warm for the winter months.
    Website: https://uglychristmassweater.bio/collections/slayer-christmas-sweater/

    Reply

  11. Wonderful article, thanks for putting this together! This is obviously one great post. Thanks for the valuable information and insights you have so provided here. daftar saham toto

    Reply

  12. Call Girls in Lahore or Escorts Service is an agency that provides companionship and other services for clients. It has been said to be the best in Pakistan, with its huge selection of attractive and beautiful girls from all over the country. They offer a wide range of services ranging from intimate encounters to dinner dates and night outs. Whether you are looking for a one-time experience or something more serious, Lahore Escorts Service can provide it at your convenience. Their staff is friendly, professional and discreet so you can feel safe when you book their services. They also prioritize safety and privacy for all of their customers which makes them reliable and trustworthy.

    Reply

  13. Most of the time I don’t make comments on websites, but I’d like to say that this article really forced me to do so. Really nice post! teatime results

    Reply

  14. Unearth the Pinnacle of Office Furniture in Pakistan! Your quest for excellence begins here, with an exquisite selection that includes ergonomic wonders, exquisite wooden office chairs, and unmatched value for your budget. From exploring office chair prices in Pakistan to the timeless charm of wooden office furniture, we’ve curated the best to redefine your workspace

    Reply

  15. Most of the time I don’t make comments on websites, but I’d like to say that this article really forced me to do so. Really nice post! Traffic lawyer NYC

    Reply

  16. Emily Collins’ empathetic approach and genuine dedication to her clients’ happiness have cultivated deep, enduring relationships built on trust and understanding:婚禮顧問

    Reply

  17. MPOCASH adalah situs taruhan game Mesin Putar Online terpercaya dan terbaik di Indonesia dengan variasi Mesin Putar online terbesar dan berbagai promosi dan hadiah untuk member kami. Saat bermain di situs taruhan MPOCASH, member kami bisa merasa beruntung karena bisa merasakan sensasi bermain menang besar.

    Reply

  18. Bermain permainan digital online khususnya di MPOCASH Mesin Putar Mantul terpercaya paten gampang menang menjadi sarana terbaik paling aman tahun 2023.

    Reply

  19. I have been exploring for a little bit for any high-quality articles or blog posts on this sort of area . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this website. Reading this information So i am happy to convey that I’ve an incredibly good uncanny feeling I discovered exactly what I needed. I most certainly will make certain to do not forget this web site and give it a glance regularly. magic amanita mushroom gummy review

    Reply

  20. The subsequent time I learn a blog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as a lot as this one. I mean, I know it was my option to read, however I really thought youd have something attention-grabbing to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you possibly can repair when you werent too busy on the lookout for attention. ai marketing automation

    Reply

  21. An impressive share, I just given this onto a colleague who was doing a little evaluation on this. And he in reality bought me breakfast as a result of I found it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the treat! But yeah Thnkx for spending the time to discuss this, I really feel strongly about it and love studying extra on this topic. If potential, as you develop into expertise, would you mind updating your weblog with extra particulars? It’s extremely useful for me. Huge thumb up for this weblog submit! https://ausdirectmeds.com/product/buy-oxycodone-oxycontin-australia/

    Reply

  22. You might be websites successful individuals, it comes effortlessly, therefore you also earn you see, the jealousy of all the ones a lot of journeymen surrounding you could have challenges within this challenge. motor movers 賃貸マンション

    Reply

  23. Di ranah game online, banyak sekali penggemar yang sedang mencari pengalaman menarik dan penuh potensi. Salah satu tujuan yang populer adalah QQMEGA368.

    Reply

  24. Most of the time I don’t make comments on websites, but I’d like to say that this article really forced me to do so. Really nice post! shop front fitters

    Reply

  25. This sort of in search of get the enhancements made on this special lifestyle and diet, begin your L . a . Shifting the pounds diet solution is a huge procedure into accesing which usually hope. weight loss タワーマンション

    Reply

  26. Hey what a brilliant post I have come across and believe me I have been searching out for this similar kind of post for past a week and hardly came across this. Thank you very much and will look for more postings from you. Air Duct Cleaning

    Reply

  27. 9anime is a popular free anime streaming website that allows users to watch English Subbed and Dubbed anime online. With a huge selection of anime titles.

    Reply

  28. For that reason times repeatedly pretty much everything, this life definitely is ended up saving a little bit more. The program in fact saves currently the And also carbon actually motivated in to planet during these development activities. dc free mommy blog giveaways family trip home gardening house power wash baby laundry detergent マンション給水ポンプうるさい

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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