Posted on 46,616 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?

46,616 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants”

  3. You there, this is really good post here. Thanks for taking the time to post such valuable information. Quality content is what always gets the visitors coming. review game judi

    Reply

  5. Short Stay Parking: Your Quick Drop-Off/Pick-Up Solution at Doncaster Airport.

    On-airport parking, steps from the terminal.
    Ideal for short visits & time-sensitive travellers.
    Pre-book for guaranteed space.
    Customize your parking online.
    Avoid unnecessary stress! Choose Short Stay.

    Reply

  6. This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing blog that understand the value of providing a quality resource for free. law research paper topics

    Reply

  8. I conceive other website proprietors should take this web site as an example, very clean and fantastic user friendly pattern. jun88

    Reply

  9. Heathrow Airport Parking: Easy, Affordable, Secure
    Choose from Meet & Greet, Park & Ride, and official options, all at competitive prices.
    Park Mark, DMCA, and BPA certified for your peace of mind. 96% customer satisfaction – book your stress-free parking today!

    Reply

  10. Its gathered on your site even though reducing popularity merely quite a few tid tiny bit submits. Enjoyable technique for impending, I’ll be book-marking before starting purchase products and solutions final result spgs up right up. jun88

    Reply

  12. I’ve been surfing on the web more than 3 hours today, yet I never found any stunning article like yours. It’s alluringly worth for me. 메이저사이트

    Reply

  19. Islamabaddarling are the most sought-after and famous escorts agencey in the world. People from all over the world come to Islambad to meet these beautiful women and spend time with them.24 hours a day, these women can come to your hotel or apartment and make the night of your life.We are providing hot girls,vip girls. escortsVisit our website or call us at (03294111153) for more details.

    Reply

  22. 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 무료스포츠중계

    Reply

  43. 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. inpatient rehabilitation

    Reply

  44. An intriguing discussion may be worth comment. I do think that you should write regarding this topic, may possibly not often be a taboo subject but usually people are there are not enough to dicuss on such topics. To a higher. Cheers Rút tiền Miso88

    Reply

  45. Planning a trip from Stansted Airport? Book your parking with Airport Park Booking and take the stress out of travel.

    Why Choose Us?

    Wide range of options: Meet & Greet, Park & Ride, On-Airport parking.
    Unmatched prices: Lowest online guaranteed. Pre-book and save even more.
    100% satisfaction: We guarantee it, or get a full refund.
    Park Mark certified: Ensures highest security and safety standards.
    Book Online in Minutes!

    Pre-book your parking online and avoid the hassle. Simply park and head straight to the terminal.

    Popular Options:

    Meet & Greet: Ultimate convenience. Driver meets you and parks your car.
    Park & Ride: Budget-friendly. Park your car and take a short shuttle ride.
    On-Airport Parking: Steps away from the terminal. Ideal for time-sensitive travellers.
    Book Your Stansted Airport Parking Today!

    Click the link below for a free quote and book your stress-free parking now!

    Reply

  46. 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. cocaine rehabilitation

    Reply

  47. Excellent Blog! I would like to thank for the efforts you have made in writing this post. I am hoping the same best work from you in the future as well. I wanted to thank you for this websites! Thanks for sharing. Great websites! Jujutsu Kaisen 2nd Season Episode 21

    Reply

  50. I know your expertise on this. I must say we should have an online discussion on this. Writing only comments will close the discussion straight away! And will restrict the benefits from this information. prime resin flooring experts

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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