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?

51,412 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants

  1. Hello again! It’s refreshing to be back on this webpage, where meaningful discussions thrive. This post brings back memories of my previous roommate, who was always eager to discuss such topics. Sharing this article with him; I’m confident he’ll appreciate it. Thanks for fostering this environment of open exchange! How much does an Indian e-Visa cost for US citizens? The Indian e-Visa for US citizens costs, depending on the duration and type. It offers convenient online application, making travel planning simpler and more accessible.

    Reply

  2. Judi Online Slot Demo Zeus permainan judi online yang sangat menarik, permainan ini juga dilengkapi dengan fitur bonus seperti putaran gratis, wild symbol, dan scatter symbol. Semua fitur ini dirancang untuk meningkatkan peluang pemain memenangkan hadiah besar.

    Reply

  3. Very efficiently written information. It will be beneficial to anybody who utilizes it, including me. Keep up the good work. For sure i will check out more posts. This site seems to get a good amount of visitors. solid188

    Reply

  4. 🍒Direct website, genuine copyright, deposits and withdrawals, fast, no minimum, stable system, no dropouts, no freezes, smooth playing, admin will take care of you 24 hours, including all bets, slots, baccarat, football.▶▶บาคาร่า

    Reply

  5. Hitmen Wiki is one of the best resources fighting Hitmen Services on the Dark Web, and exposing hire a hitman sites that should be closed down by law enforcement. hire a hitman

    Reply

  6. 🐋 บาคาร่าอันดับ 1 ฝากถอนอัตโนมัติ รวดเร็ว ไม่มีขั้นต่ำ มีแอดมินดูแลคุณตลอด 24 ชั่วโมง🌐บาคาร่า

    Reply

  7. Hitmen Wiki is one of the best resources fighting Hitmen Services on the Dark Web, and exposing hire a hitman sites that should be closed down by law enforcement. hitmen services

    Reply

  8. I loved as much as you’ll receive carried out right here. The sketch is tasteful, your authored subject matter stylish. nonetheless, you command get got an shakiness over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come more formerly again as exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this hike. Pleasure toys

    Reply

  9. Efficiently written information. It will be profitable to anybody who utilizes it, counting me. Keep up the good work. For certain I will review out more posts day in and day out. forex robot

    Reply

  10. Thanks for your post. I’ve been thinking about writing a very comparable post over the last couple of weeks, I’ll probably keep it short and sweet and link to this instead if thats cool. Thanks. link alternatif

    Reply

  11. When I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new surveys are added- checkbox and after this whenever a comment is added I purchase four emails with the exact same comment. Could there be in whatever way you possibly can remove me from that service? Thanks! หนังจีน

    Reply

  12. Hey, what a dazzling post I have actually come throughout and also believed me I have actually been browsing out for this similar type of blog post for past a week and also rarely encountered this. Thanks quite and I will seek even more posts from you  토토사이트

    Reply

  13. Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting? I’m pleased I discovered it though, ill be checking back soon to find out what additional posts you include. slot gacor 777

    Reply

  14. You have performed a great job on this article. It’s very precise and highly qualitative. You have even managed to make it readable and easy to read. You have some real writing talent. Thank you so much. forex robot

    Reply

  15. Regularly writing blogs is a habit of mine, and I genuinely admire the quality of your content. This captivating article has caught my attention. I’ve made it a point to save your website and stay informed about new details, usually on a weekly basis. Additionally, I’ve subscribed to your RSS feed. How much is the visa for Azerbaijan from India? The visa fee for traveling from India to Azerbaijan varies depending on the type and duration of the visa. It’s advisable to check with the Azerbaijani embassy or consulate for accurate information.

    Reply

  16. The women are called Dwarka Escorts Agency, and they look strange and dress in a biased way. Another escort can’t compare to them in terms of how well they approach making love. They have all the good traits that will make you fall in love with them.

    Reply

  17. Fantastic blog Reading your articles was enjoyable. For me, this is a fantastic read. I’ve bookmarked it and am eager to read the newest pieces. Continue your fantastic effort!

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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