Posted on 46,057 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?

46,057 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants”

  5. My Promax creates exceptional digital experiences. We specialize in UI/UX Design, Web Development, and Mobile App Development. Let us bring your ideas to life with our innovative design and cutting-edge technology.

    Reply

  8. Tailored digital solutions. Web, UI/UX design & mobile app development. Simplifying complexity. Expertise for an enjoyable journey. My Promax

    Reply

  9. Ensuring access to healthcare is crucial, especially for recent immigrants facing unique challenges in Albany, NY. At AJC Used Car Dealership, we understand the importance of overcoming barriers. Just like our commitment to making used cars buy here pay here accessible, we believe in facilitating access to essential services for everyone in our diverse community.

    Reply

  31. We were really confused about how this meet and greet would work for us. We had this question like Stansted Airport Parking before but the service made the whole thing easy for us. Great communication and polite staff.

    Reply

  33. Impressive! Although this blog is similar to my previous one, it focuses on completely different topics. It has its layout, and style and has a fantastic selection of colors! lahore call girl

    Reply

  35. A Lahore Call Girls
    is a person who gives friendship and sexual administrations to clients for a charge. They are generally recruited through offices or sites that give escort administrations.

    Reply

  37. 세계 각국의 여성들은 그들만의 독특한 건강 비법을 가지고 있습니다. 토닥이 마사지는 이러한 전통적인 건강 기법들을 연구하고, 여성들에게 제공하고자 합니다. 예를 들어, 동양에서는 전통적인 뜸과 침으로 몸의 에너지를 조절하고, 서양에서는 아로마 테라피나 허브 테라피를 통해 마음의 안정을 찾습니다. 토닥이 마사지는 이러한 세계의 다양한 마사지 기법을 한 곳에서 체험할 수 있는 플랫폼을 제공합니다. 이를 통해 여성들은 자신에게 맞는 건강 관리 방법을 찾을 수 있고, 세계 여성들의 건강 비밀을 탐험하는 즐거움을 느낄 수 있습니다.

    Reply

  41. İzmit Escort , Escort İzmit , İzmit Escort Bayan ; Göğüs : 70/32 ; Konum : İzmit ; Saatlik Fiyat : 1658 ₺ ; Günlük Fiyat : 7668 ₺ ; Gecelik Fiyat : 3495 ₺ … escort izmit

    Reply

  42. I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often. 補習網

    Reply

  44. As one of the top suppliers ofEscorts in Islamabad
    we offer a determination of shrewd and capable call young ladies who are prepared to make your night remarkable.

    Reply

  45. I do agree with all of the ideas you have presented in your post. They’re very convincing and will certainly work. Still, the posts are too short for starters. Could you please extend them a little from next time? Thanks for the post. Taxi in godalming

    Reply

  46. Love this perspective! 💡 It’s crucial to broaden the conversation around healthcare for immigrants. What’s your take on fostering more inclusivity? 🌍-
    PG in Ahmedabad

    Reply

  47. Love this perspective! 🌍 It’s crucial to ensure everyone has access to healthcare. What are your thoughts on community-driven initiatives for immigrant health? 💬-
    PG in Ahmedabad

    Reply

  50. 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. Mango Dispensary

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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