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?

46,853 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants

  1. Thank you again for all the knowledge you distribute,Good post. I was very interested in the article, it’s quite inspiring I should admit. I like visiting you site since I always come across interesting articles like this one.Great Job, I greatly appreciate that.Do Keep sharing! Regards, game for chromebook

    Reply

  2. I was just browsing through the internet looking for some information and came across your blog. I am impressed by the information that you have on this blog. It shows how well you understand this subject. Bookmarked this page, will come back for more. rapidfinil

    Reply

  3. Quickly this page probably will irrefutably maybe always be recognized regarding a lot of websites folks, for you to their careful articles or blog posts or perhaps ideas. buy osrs gp

    Reply

  4. 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. berjinia

    Reply

  5. The following is found 100 % most suitable. Every one of small-scale aspects are written and wide range of past recognizing. I want it plenty. ufabetlogin

    Reply

  6. Swiftly this web site can unquestionably become popular between almost all blogging and site-building folks, due to its meticulous posts or perhaps critiques. marketbusinessworld

    Reply

  7. Thank you again for all the knowledge you distribute,Good post. I was very interested in the article, it’s quite inspiring I should admit. I like visiting you site since I always come across interesting articles like this one.Great Job, I greatly appreciate that.Do Keep sharing! Regards, game for chromebook

    Reply

  8. The art of crafting a katana sword is a meticulous and time-honored process that requires the expertise of skilled swordsmiths. The blade is traditionally forged from multiple layers of high-carbon steel, resulting in a strong, flexible, and razor-sharp edge. The unique curvature of the blade, known as the “sori,” enhances its cutting power, allowing for swift and efficient strikes. The crafting of a katana is not merely a technical endeavor but a spiritual one, as the swordsmith infuses their passion, dedication, and respect into every step of the process.

    Reply

  9. As i bought onto your web site nevertheless positioning focus purely a little bit little submits. Satisfying strategy for foreseeable future, I will be bookmarking each time receive people finish off arises in place. vlone shirt

    Reply

  10. I like the helpful info you provide in your articles. I will bookmark your blog and check again here frequently. I’m quite sure I will learn many new stuff right here! Good luck for the next!
    유흥알바

    Reply

  11. Your blogs further more each else volume is so entertaining further serviceable It appoints me befall retreat encore. I will instantly grab your feed to stay informed of any updates. hubba bubba runtz

    Reply

  12. 1. Community Workshops
    2. multilingual pamphlets and videos that explain healthcare resources.
    3. Community leaders to disseminate information about healthcare resources, and insurance plans for immigrants seeking healthcare guidance.
    above are some solutions to educate immigrants about health. Considering the diverse challenges a healthcare dissertation writing service .can contribute insights on healthcare accessibility. For more in-depth perspectives, you might find it valuable to backlink here

    Reply

  13. 1. Community Workshops
    2. multilingual pamphlets and videos that explain healthcare resources.
    3. Community leaders to disseminate information about healthcare resources, and insurance plans for immigrants seeking healthcare guidance.
    above are some solutions to educate immigrants about health. Considering the diverse challenges a healthcare https://www.academicassignments.com/dissertation-writing-service/ can contribute insights on healthcare accessibility. For more in-depth perspectives, you might find it valuable to backlink here

    Reply

  14. สล็อตเว็บตรง สล็อตออนไลน์จากค่าย PGSOFT แจกเครดิตฟรีไม่อั้น ฝากไม่มีขั้นต่ำ สายทุนน้อยชอบความลงทุนห้ามพลาด ตอนนี้มีโปรโมชั่นสมาชิกใหม่ 100% สมัครเลย

    Reply

  15. Slot Online Pragmatic Play ini memiliki lisensi resmi dan diatur oleh otoritas perjudian yang terpercaya, sehingga pemain dapat bermain dengan keyakinan penuh. Di Slot Online Pragmatic Play ini menawarkan layanan pelanggan yang responsif dan profesional untuk membuat hiburan permainan anda menjadi mudah untuk meraih kemenangan seperti yang di harapkan.

    Reply

  16. I like to recommend every subject material. It is often excellent to clear up you are going to demonstrate around thoughts out of mid but also image quality making use of this priceless subject material is rather easily accepted. Interview scheduling

    Reply

  17. I was just browsing through the internet looking for some information and came across your blog. I am impressed by the information that you have on this blog. It shows how well you understand this subject. Bookmarked this page, will come back for more. Mounjaro for sale cheap

    Reply

  18. Our girls are among the top bedsitting in Lahore with a real desire that every man wants. Are you man enough to have the night with our gorgeous High Profile Call Girls Service in Lahore the city? If so, call us via the Lahore Call Girls agency number and inform us that you would like to enjoy a night with a hot Call Girl in Lahore. We’ll let you know about our VIP gorgeous ladies in Lahore allow you to enjoy a memorable night out with them.

    Reply

  19. this can be awesome plus meanful. this can be interesting site. Leading is rather handy element. you may have seriously made it simpler for many people who seem to take a look at site and give these folks usefull information and facts. trang cá cược uy tín

    Reply

  20. I have bookmarked your website because this site contains valuable information in it. I am really happy with articles quality and presentation. Thanks a lot for keeping great stuff. I am very much thankful for this site. website chatgpt

    Reply

  21. Whether you are a nearby occupant or a guest to this lively city, our office gives an extensive variety of delightful and proficient call young ladies to guarantee your involvement Call Girls Lahore
    is genuinely extraordinary.

    Reply

  22. This is actually the content Now i’m searching for anywhere. Regards for use on your web page, I simply subscribe your blog. They can be a excellent web page. . trang nhà cái uy tín

    Reply

  23. I am often to blogging and i also truly appreciate your site content. The content has really peaks my interest. I am about to bookmark your blog and maintain checking for new details. slot online

    Reply

  24. Individuals who collect or resell sneakers often receive worn or dirty pairs. A sneaker cleaning machine aids in restoring these sneakers to their original condition, enhancing their value. The machine’s various cleaning modes, such as gentle cycles for delicate materials, enable thorough cleaning without damaging the sneakers.

    Reply

  25. Thank you for another great article. Where else could anyone get that kind of information in such a perfect way of writing? I have a presentation next week, and I am on the look for such information. l51625-qd1

    Reply

  26. Thanks for a very interesting blog. What else may I get that kind of info written in such a perfect approach? I’ve a undertaking that I am simply now operating on, and I have been at the look out for such info. dentist Coquitlam

    Reply

  27. hey all, I used to be just checkin¡¯ out this blog and I actually admire the basis of the article, and don¡¯t have anything to do, so if anybody would like to to have an engrossing convo about it, please contact me on AIM, my name is heather smith 贏家娛樂城

    Reply

  28. สล็อตออนไลน์ สนุก มันส์ เล่นง่าย เว็บตรง หากคุณสนใจสามารถคลิกได้เลย รับรองความมันส์ รอคุณอยู่
    สล็อตเว็บตรง

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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