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?

34,189 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants

  1. I haven’t any word to appreciate this post…..Really i am impressed from this post….the person who create this post it was a great human..thanks for shared this with us. ASV vīza tiešsaistē

    Reply

  2. 비아그라, 비아그라 구매, 비아그라 구입,비아그라 판매,서비스를 통해 제공될 수 있으며, 처음 구매 든 노련한 구입 이든 이 가이드는 비아그라 경험을 최대한 활용하는 데 필요한 모든 정보를 제공합니다.

    Reply

  3. Your post is incredibly helpful and informative. The detailed insights and practical tips you’ve provided are a valuable resource for anyone looking to understand or tackle this subject. Your clarity of explanation and the step-by-step guidance make it easy for beginners and experts alike to follow along. also check PUBG Lite Apk

    Reply

  4. Thank you so much for sharing this great blog.Very inspiring and helpful too.Hope you continue to share more of your ideas.I will definitely love to read. akarslot777

    Reply

  5. Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting?I have read a few of the articles on your website now, and I really like your style. Thanks a million and please keep up the effective work. slot663

    Reply

  6. I am definitely enjoying your website. You definitely have some great insight and great stories. slot169

    Reply

  7. PVATO is your reliable source for purchasing various types of phone verified accounts. Try our PVA like Gmail, Google Voice, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and” BUY 100% VERIFIED ACCOUNTS IN CHEAP PRICE
    Buy Pvato accounts

    Reply

  8. When I read an article on this topic, baccaratsite the first thought was profound and difficult, and I wondered if others could understand.. My site has a discussion board for articles and photos similar to this topic. Could you please visit me when you have time to discuss this topic?

    Reply

  9. PVATO is your reliable source for purchasing various types of phone verified accounts. Try our PVA like Gmail, Google Voice, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and more ‘BUY 100% VERIFIED ACCOUNTS IN CHEAP PRICE
    https://pvato.com/buy-snapchat-accounts/

    Reply

  10. Online Best Slots: Experience the thrill of top-quality slot games from the comfort of your own home. Explore a wide selection of exciting online slot machines that offer the best graphics, gameplay, and chances to win big.
    online best slots

    Reply

  11. Cool you write, the information is very good and interesting, I’ll give you a link to my site. qq101

    Reply

  12. 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. lemacau

    Reply

  13. 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. maniaslot

    Reply

  14. McCarthy, for his part, voiced optimism that the bipartisan deal could get through Congress despite skepticism from some lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. 사설토토

    Reply

  15. We are also noticing that traditional medical doctors are also recognizing the increased interest in holistic healing and are finally starting to incorporate these healing methods into their practice to keep up with the current trends. There are many ways to obtain a construction job interview, but some are more effective than others. قیمت لوله پلی اتیلن

    Reply

  16. Great ¡V I should certainly pronounce, impressed with your site. I had no trouble navigating through all tabs as well as related info ended up being truly easy to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it at all. Quite unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or anything, website theme . a tones way for your client to communicate. Excellent task.. gacor77

    Reply

  17. Wow, incredible blog format! How lengthy have you been blogging for? you make running a blog glance easy. The full glance of your site is fantastic, as smartly the content material! dominobet

    Reply

  18. Paid phone search services usually go with access to unlimited lookups, discounted background and cell phone reports, and an advanced People Search. You can use the peop search application to find old classmates, long lost relatives, or former co-workers. red boost reviews

    Reply

  19. Cheap Handbags Wholesale You should think about doing growing this web site to a major authority in this particular market. You clearly contain a grasp handle in the topics so many people are looking for on this website anyways therefore you could indisputably even create a dollar or two off of some advertising. I’d explore following recent topics and raising how many write ups putting up and i guarantee you???d begin seeing some awesome web traffic in the near future. Simply a thought, all the best in whatever you do! PHENQ REVIEWS

    Reply

  20. I ran across your site last week and started to follow your posts consistently. I haven’t commented on any kind of blog site just yet but I was considering to start soon. It’s truly exciting to actually contribute to an article even if it’s only a blog. I really don’t know exactly what to write other than I really loved reading through a couple of of your articles. Great articles for sure. I will keep visiting your blog regularly. I learned a lot from you. Thanks! generasipoker

    Reply

  21. You may find two to three new levels inside L . a . Weight loss and any one someone is incredibly important. Initial stage may be real melting away rrn the body. lose weight shorten link

    Reply

  22. Meteor rijschool Nijmegen heeft al vele honderden mensen met veel succes geholpen aan een rijbewijs. Meteor Rijschool Nijmegen hanteert zeer scherpe tarieven en zijn hiermee de best betaalbare rijschool van Nijmegen en omgeving!
    Rijschool Nijmegen

    Reply

  23. It’s perfect time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to be happy. I’ve read this post and if I could I wish to suggest you some interesting things or suggestions. Maybe you could write next articles referring to this article. I want to read even more things about it! youtube shorts views real

    Reply

  24. Have you ever considered about adding a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is fundamental and everything. Nevertheless think about if you added some great pictures or video clips to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with images and clips, this site could certainly be one of the most beneficial in its field. Fantastic blog! youtube shorts views real

    Reply

  25. Struggling with psychology assignments? Online psychology assignment help is a game-changer! These services offer expert guidance, insightful analysis, and top-quality content, giving your grades and understanding a significant boost. Don’t hesitate to explore the online help available – it can make a real difference in your academic journey!

    Reply

  26. Gacor77 adalah website judi slot online terpercaya dengan pelayanan tercepat, deposit hanya Rp 10.000, daftar, login dan mainkan Gacor77 sekarang. gacor77

    Reply

  27. lemacau situs game slot terpercaya, alexa vegas permainan game terbanyak deposit rendah Rp.10.000 daftar login dan mainkan lemacau slot sekarang lemacau

    Reply

  28. 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. house of cavani

    Reply

  29. Thanks for the post and great tips..even I also think that hard work is the most important aspect of getting success.. RMN Bucuresti

    Reply

  30. maniaslot Website permainan slot terpercaya, permainan maniaslot dengan minimal deposit Rp 10.000 Daftar sekarang Login dan mainkan maniaslot maniaslot

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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