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?

46,328 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants

  1. Discover the importance of investing in the UK, how investments work, and the pros and cons. Get answers and start your journey toward smart investments in 2025 Investment strategies

    Reply

  2. xcellent blog you have here.. It’s hard to find good quality writing like yours these days. I truly appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!

    고스톱사이트

    Reply

  3. This is a great inspiring article.I am pretty much pleased with your good work.You put really very helpful information. Keep it up. Keep blogging. Looking to reading your next post. Multitrait Multimethod

    Reply

  4. Vikmar Foods stands out as a leading food manufacturing enterprise, focusing on the production of soybean oil, canola oil in bulk IBC totes, various types of vinegar, pizza crusts, and tomato sauces. We uphold top-notch standards in both quality and taste, earning recognition for our outstanding products, celebrated for their indulgent flavors. Esteemed by both culinary experts and home cooks, our globally acclaimed reputation reflects a steadfast dedication to excellence. As a reliable source for retail and bulk services, Vikmar Foods caters to gourmet stores and supermarkets on a worldwide scale, maintaining a commitment to delivering top-quality products.

    Give Us A Visit :
    https://www.vikmarfoods.com/

    Reply

  5. Is it true that you are excessively exhausted and pushed from work to offer your body anything? On the off chance that you want a stunning young lady’s services or a sexual back rub to quiet your body, then, at that point, try out our Islamabad Call Girls. You will see different services that you have been waiting for with our Islamabad Call Girls.

    Reply

  6. Event Space & Outdoor Tents Solutions and Reliable Temporary Structures Manufacturing at SHELTER — Large Tent, Frame For Tent, Warehouse Tents, Army Tents, Shelter Covers, and more. ✓ Easy Setup ✓ Fast Response ✓ Customization Design ✓ Value For Money commercial tent

    Reply

  7. Paito Sdy merupakan sumber informasi yang sangat berharga bagi para pemain togel. Dengan menggunakan Paito Sdy ini, pemain dapat melihat pola atau tren yang muncul dari hasil keluaran angka togel sebelumnya. Informasi ini dapat membantu pemain dalam membuat prediksi atau strategi permainan mereka.

    Reply

  8. Dumanbet giriş 2022 adresine ulaşmak için tıklayın! Duman Bet twitter, instagram, telegram bonus ve promosyonları inceleyin. liveduman.com

    Reply

  9. Asyabahis giriş adresi ile anında bahis aksiyonuna katıl! Hızlı ve güvenli AsyaBahis güncel giriş yap, özel bonuslar ve zengin bahis seçenekleriyle kazanmaya başla… asyabahis.org

    Reply

  10. Pinbahis Giriş: Güvenilir bahis deneyimi için en son ve güncel giriş adresi! Pinbahis'e hemen giriş yapın, yüksek oranlarla kazanmaya başlayın. Lisanslı ve güvenilir platformda heyecan dolu bahisler sizi bekliyor! pinbahis155.com

    Reply

  11. This particular papers fabulous, and My spouse and i enjoy each of the perform that you have placed into this. I’m sure that you will be making a really useful place. I has been additionally pleased. Good perform 티비몬

    Reply

  12. NOKIAGAMING merupakan situs penyedia Platform game online terlengkap di indonesia. Bekerja sama dengan berbagai server terkemuka dan terpercaya di tahun 2023. nokia gaming

    Reply

  13. Explore the limitless possibilities of creativity with our innovative tools and resources. Unleash your imagination and elevate your projects to new heights. Click here to embark on a journey of inspiration and transformation.”

    Reply

  14. Plan your Rishikesh escapade smartly by selecting the best time, and we recommend the period between September and November for an unforgettable journey.

    Reply

  15. I am grateful for your post. Id really like to comment that the expense of car insurance varies greatly from one coverage to another, since there are so many different issues which give rise to the overall cost. As an example, the model and make of the motor vehicle will have a large bearing on the fee. A reliable old family car will have a more affordable premium when compared to a flashy expensive car. Jun88

    Reply

    1. The **Infinix Note 30 VIP** is priced competitively in Pakistan, offering premium features at an affordable cost. With its sleek design, fast charging, and powerful performance, it stands out in the mid-range category. For the latest price updates, check local retailers or online platforms to get the best deal. https://allmobileprices.com/

      Reply

  16. Sekabet canlı bahis sitesinin yeni mobil sayfasına sitemiz üzerinden giriş yapabilirsiniz. Sekabet'e giriş yaparak, üyelik oluşturabilir ve takipte kalabili sekabet

    Reply

  17. The velvet frock, with its luscious texture and timeless allure, exudes an air of sophistication fit for special occasions. Crafted with exquisite detail and luxurious fabric, this frock epitomizes elegance, wrapping its wearer in opulent charm.

    Reply

  18. Salah satu keunggulan bermain di Slot No Limit City ini, mereka menawarkan berbagai fitur bonus yang menggiurkan. Fitur-fitur ini dirancang untuk meningkatkan peluang pemain dalam memenangkan hadiah besar.

    Reply

  19. فرهان دیزل به عنوان یکی از متولیان صنعت خودروهای تجاری کشور، شرایط فروش اقساطی کامیونت در مدل ها و برندهای مختلف را ارائه نموده است.
    https://www.farhandiesel.ir/installments/

    Reply

  20. I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. I am hoping the same best work from you in the future as well. In fact your creative writing abilities has inspired me to start my own BlogEngine blog now. Really the blogging is spreading its wings rapidly. Your write up is a fine example of it. 佐敦補習

    Reply

  21. Margdarsi Foundation offers a comprehensive rehabilitation service such as Autism, Cerebral Palsy, communication disorders, neuro developmental disabilities etc. It is a best Autism Center In Bhubaneshwar. Margdarsi continue to set benchmarks in the domain of rehabilitation services. Margdarsi responds to establish technology solutions in the domain of medical rehabilitation, providing comprehensive services and making its institutions the Centers of Hope. It has many clinical service such as Neurodevelopmental Clinics, Neuro-rehabilitation Clinics, Physical disorder Clinics, Hearing Clinics, Speech & Language Clinics, Mental Health Clinics.

    This is Also Best Autism Treatment in India

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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