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?

19,531 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants

  1. each time i used to read smaller posts which as
    well clear their motive, and that is also happening with this paragraph which I am reading
    at this time.
    레플리카

    Reply

  2. Mmm.. estimable to be here in your report or notify, whatever, I repute I should moreover process strong for my have website want I play some salubrious further updated busy in your location. slotxo mobile

    Reply

  3. Very nice article and straight to the point. I don’t know if this is truly the best place to ask but do you folks have any idea where to get some professional writers? Thank you. 야설

    Reply

  4. Hey there. I found your site by the use of Google whilst looking for a similar subject, your site came up. It looks good. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks to visit then.

    Reply

  5. Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. If possible, as you gain expertise, would you mind updating your blog with extra information?

    Reply

  6. Amazing article. Your blog helped me to improve myself in many ways thanks for sharing this kind of wonderful informative blogs in live. I have bookmarked more article from this website. Such a nice blog you are providing.

    Reply

  7. 메이저사이트추천 먹튀커뮤니티 메이저공원 Camping – Where to Find FREE Overnight RV Parking

    Reply

  8. Do your homework. When purchasing for CBD oil, be sure you know what to look for. Read customer reviews and compare prices. Look for items that have been third-party evaluated. To assure quality and accuracy, reputable brands will have their products tested by an independent lab. Check to see if the CBD oil is organic. CBD oil derived from plants is usually organic, but it’s always a good idea to double-check. delta 8 weight loss

    Reply

  9. Wow, What a Excellent post. I really found this to much informatics. It is what i was searching for.I would like to suggest you that please keep sharing such type of info.Thanks mis webmail

    Reply

  10. Mmm.. estimable to be here in your report or notify, whatever, I repute I should moreover process strong for my have website want I play some salubrious further updated busy in your location. Real Doll

    Reply

  11. It’s the same topic , but I was quite surprised to see the opinions I didn’t think of. My blog also has articles on these topics, so I look forward to your visit.baccarat

    Reply

  12. Mmm.. estimable to be here in your report or notify, whatever, I repute I should moreover process strong for my have website want I play some salubrious further updated busy in your location. bitcoins with credit card

    Reply

  13. Research suggests that the changes to immigration policy enacted by the Trump administration contributed to increased fears among immigrant families about participating in programs and seeking services, including health coverage and care. These include policies focused on curbing immigration, enhancing immigration enforcement, and limiting the use of public assistance among immigrant families.
    The pandemic has likely contributed to increased health and financial needs and declines in health coverage among immigrant families. Immigrants’ work, living, and transportation situations put them at increased risk for potential exposure to coronavirus.Well Our platforms provides students services with end-to-end help. In this academic climate, we completely understand what our kids are going through. We’re here to help our students with their requests to a href=”https://americanonlineexperts.com/”>take my online classes for me.

    Reply

  14. The first phase the preparation should, theoretically, be uninfluenced by the intended intensity and duration of the sound which is subsequently produced. In fact, however, so quickly are the three phases accomplished that the pianist rarely has capacity to think, in performance, of each phase separately. hire a hacker online

    Reply

  15. If you don”t mind proceed with this extraordinary work and I anticipate a greater amount of your magnificent blog entries.  WhatJobs

    Reply

  16. Thanks for sharing nice information with us. I like your post and all you share with us is up to date and quite informative, I would like to bookmark the page so I can come here again to read you, as you have done a wonderful job. instagram hackers for hire

    Reply

  17. it’s really nice and meanful. it’s really cool blog. Linking is very useful thing.you have really helped lots of people who visit blog and provide them usefull information. Pak Urdu Writer

    Reply

  18. 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. matka

    Reply

Leave a Reply to seo Cancel reply

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