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?

43,881 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, Carpenters Southend

    Reply

  2. I am impressed. I don’t think Ive met anyone who knows as much about this subject as you do. You are truly well informed and very intelligent. You wrote something that people could understand and made the subject intriguing for everyone. Really, great blog you have got here. ibc 138

    Reply

  3. I am impressed. I don’t think Ive met anyone who knows as much about this subject as you do. You are truly well informed and very intelligent. You wrote something that people could understand and made the subject intriguing for everyone. Really, great blog you have got here. jokercard balance

    Reply

  4. Slot Mahjong Judi Online pilihan yang tepat bagi para pecinta judi online yang ingin merasakan sensasi bermain yang berbeda dan menarik. Dengan kombinasi antara permainan slot yang seru dan mahjong yang menantang, Judi Online Slot Mahjong ini memberikan pengalaman bermain yang tak terlupakan bagi para pemain.

    Reply

  5. Slot Bonanza merupakan pilihan yang tepat untuk menghabiskan waktu luang Anda. Judi Online Slot Bonanza menawarkan berbagai bonus dan hadiah menarik bagi para pemainnya. Dengan fitur menarik dan kesempatan untuk mendapatkan keuntungan besar ini, Judi Online Slot Bonanza berhasil mencuri banyak hati para pemain kalangan pencinta judi online.

    Reply

  6. I can see that you are an expert at your field! I am launching a website soon, and your information will be very useful for me.. Thanks for all your help and wishing you all the success in your business. botox in Wilmington

    Reply

  7. Judi Online Slot 777 menyediakan berbagai bonus dan promosi menarik bagi para pemain. Permainan Judi Online Slot 777 ini juga memiliki tampilan grafis yang menarik dan user-friendly. Para pemain dapat dengan mudah menavigasi Judi Online Slot 777 ini dan menemukan permainan yang ingin Anda mainkan. Selain itu, Slot 777 Judi Online ini juga menyediakan layanan customer service yang siap membantu para pemain selama 24 jam penuh.

    Reply

  8. At SSGO congress, ProCrea fertility center shares a wealth of knowledge from 4,000 analyzed cases. Learn about the impact of pre-implantation genetic tests and the collaborative efforts of gynecologists and general practitioners in ensuring the well-being of future generations. cure azoospermia

    Reply

  9. I recently found many useful information in your website especially this blog page. Among the lots of comments on your articles. Thanks for sharing. MP3Juice

    Reply

  10. Slot777 Judi Online menawarkan RTP (Return to Player) yang tinggi, sehingga peluang untuk memenangkan jackpot lebih besar. Bermain di Judi Online Slot777 Online ini bisa menjadi pilihan yang tepat jika Anda ingin mencari hiburan sekaligus mendapatkan keuntungan yang menggiurkan.

    Reply

  11. Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting?I have read a few of the articles on your website now, and I really like your style. Thanks a million and please keep up the effective work. MP3Juice

    Reply

  12. Very useful information shared in this article, nicely written! I will be reading your articles and using the informative tips. Looking forward to read such knowledgeable articles. 무료스포츠중계

    Reply

  13. One way to improve your rating is to Buy Google 5 Star Reviews At our company, we can provide you with high-quality reviews that will help you increase your ranking and give your business a boost. We only use real people to write our reviews, so you can be sure that they will be reputable and effective.

    Reply

  14. They’re produced by the very best degree developers who will be distinguished for your polo dress creating. You’ll find polo Ron Lauren inside exclusive array which include particular classes for men, women. aiotechnical.com health & beauty

    Reply

  15. Extremely successfully published data. It will be beneficial to any person who makes use of it, which includes me. Sustain The great do the job. Of course i will take a look at additional posts. This site seems to get a great total of tourists. plastic moulds .

    Reply

  16. I discovered your blog site internet site on yahoo and appearance some of your early posts. Always maintain inside the good operate. I just extra increase RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Seeking forward to reading far more on your part down the road!… kambodsjavisum for slovenske statsborgere

    Reply

  17. Very efficiently written facts. It will probably be helpful to anyone who utilizes it, like me. Keep up the good get the job done. Needless to say I’ll look at extra posts. This page seems to get a superb volume of tourists. Plastic molding

    Reply

  18. Mengutip https://allisonrandolph.com, berdirinya FIFA memicu pertumbuhan popularitas yang luar biasa, dengan munculnya kompetisi tingkat klub dan negara yang ikonik seperti Piala Dunia FIFA dan Liga Champions UEFA

    Reply

    1. Entdecken Sie die Elfa Pods für ein unkompliziertes und geschmackvolles Dampferlebnis. Ideal für alle, die einfache Handhabung und hochwertige Qualität schätzen.

      Reply

      1. Vavada Casino , Подробный обзор Вавада. Руководство по регистрации, разнообразие слотов, бонусные программы и многое другое. Узнайте об этом все в нашем обзоре казино Vavada.

        Reply

        1. Directory.audio, Community collaborative database of free sound effects, music and intro music with a Creative Commons License for audio producers, video bloggers, filmmakers, audio engineers and musicians.

          Reply

Leave a Reply

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