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. 좋은 사이트가 있습니다. 정말 쉽고 탐색하기 좋은 웹 사이트가 훌륭하고 멋져 보이고 따라 가기 매우 쉽다고 생각합니다. 카지노 커뮤니티

    Reply

  2. Excellent website you have here but I was curious if you knew of any message boards that cover the same topics talked about in this article? I’d really love to be a part of group where I can get advice from other knowledgeable people that share the same interest. If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Cheers! ดูหนังออนไลน์ฟรี

    Reply

  3. I need this article content, Create much-loved, I’d personally like additional information employing this, great deal of thought is specially interesting., Bless anyone suitable for producing. win247

    Reply

  4. Bolagila adalah situs permainan judi online sportbook terlengkap juga pasaran taruhan Indonesia, daftar dan login bola gila di link alternatif sekarang. Bolagila

    Reply

  5. Judi Online Slot88 ini menawarkan berbagai macam tema yang menarik. Mulai dari tema klasik seperti buah-buahan dan angka, hingga tema yang lebih modern. Tidak hanya itu, Judi Online Slot88 juga menawarkan berbagai macam fitur tambahan yang membuat permainan semakin seru. Misalnya fitur putaran gratis, fitur respin, fitur bonus mini games, dan masih banyak lagi.

    Reply

  6. You can stay assured that Aerocity Escorts Service will never judge you on the scale of your act. A sexual session is built for your fun. So it would be best if you opened up more appropriately in front of the escorts.

    Reply

  7. 최악의 부분은 소프트웨어가 간헐적으로 만 작동하고 데이터가 정확하지 않다는 것입니다. 정보가 올바르지 않으면 발견 한 내용에 대해 누구와도 대면 할 수 없습니다. 마사지

    Reply

  8. Judi Online Slot Princess menawarkan berbagai macam bonus dan promosi yang menarik. Mulai dari bonus deposit hingga bonus referral, para pemain memiliki kesempatan untuk mendapatkan tambahan modal bermain atau bahkan hadiah-hadiah menarik lainnya.

    Reply

  9. *Hello! I just would like to give a huge thumbs up for the great info you have here on this post. I will be coming back to your blog for more soon. louhan slot

    Reply

  10. 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. https://k9deb.com

    Reply

  11.  In today's digital age, having a website is crucial for businesses, professionals, and individuals alike. However, not everyone has the time or technical skills to code a website from scratch. Fortunately, with advancements in technology, create a website without coding has become easier than eve

    Reply

  12.  In today's digital age, having a website is crucial for businesses, professionals, and individuals alike. However, not everyone has the time or technical skills to code a website from scratch. Fortunately, with advancements in technology, create a website without coding has become easier than eve

    Reply

  13. 최악의 부분은 소프트웨어가 간헐적으로 만 작동하고 데이터가 정확하지 않다는 것입니다. 정보가 올바르지 않으면 발견 한 내용에 대해 누구와도 대면 할 수 없습니다. 토토

    Reply

  14. I think this is an informative post and it is very useful and knowledgeable. therefore, I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. https://k9deb.com

    Reply

  15. Wow! This could be one particular of the most beneficial blogs We’ve ever arrive across on this subject. Actually Wonderful. I’m also an expert in this topic so I can understand your effort. midjourney automation

    Reply

  16. 나는 훌륭한 유용한 리소스를 무료로 제공하는 비용을 이해하는 웹 사이트를 보는 것을 좋아합니다. 나는 당신의 게시물을 읽는 것을 정말 좋아했습니다. 감사합니다! 바카라사이트

    Reply

  17. 나는 훌륭한 유용한 리소스를 무료로 제공하는 비용을 이해하는 웹 사이트를 보는 것을 좋아합니다. 나는 당신의 게시물을 읽는 것을 정말 좋아했습니다. 감사합니다! 스포츠중계

    Reply

  18. Considering an indigo credit card? Here’s the lowdown: It’s a handy tool for boosting your credit score, accepted almost everywhere, and comes in different flavors to suit your financial situation. Just remember to check out the details before diving in!

    Reply

  19. This web page is usually a walk-through it really is the data you wanted about this and didn’t know who ought to. Glimpse here, and you’ll certainly discover it. situs sbobet

    Reply

  20. Thanks for an excellent share. Your article has proved your effort and experience you ‘ve got in this field. Brilliant .i love it reading. Daily News

    Reply

  21. i read a lot of stuff and i found that the way of writing to clearifing that exactly want to say was very good so i am impressed and ilike to come again in future.. Fun Guy

    Reply

  22. Judi Online Slot88 ini menawarkan berbagai bonus dan promosi menarik untuk para pemainnya. Mulai dari bonus deposit hingga cashback, ada banyak kesempatan untuk mendapatkan modal tambahan bermain.

    Reply

  23. Situs Jackpot86 Judi Online Slot Terpopuler yang begitu diminati karena koleksi permainan slot yang lengkap dan bervariasi. Para pemain dapat menemukan berbagai jenis permainan slot dari provider terkemuka seperti Pragmatic Play, Playtech, dan Microgaming.

    Reply

  24. Much thanks for composing such an intriguing article on this point. This has truly made me think and I plan to peruse more
    clicksud

    Reply

  25. Hey what a brilliant post I have come across and believe me I have been searching out for this similar kind of post for past a week and hardly came across this. Thank you very much and will look for more postings from you. 2024足球新星

    Reply

  26. Judi Online Slot Mahjong memberikan pengalaman yang seru dan menarik. Anda dapat merasakan sensasi seperti bermain di kasino sungguhan tanpa harus meninggalkan rumah. Fitur-fitur interaktif dalam permainan Judi Online Slot Mahjong ini membuatnya semakin menarik dan membuat pemain betah bermain dalam waktu yang lama.

    Reply

  27. Our Vasant Kunj Escorts Agency are very skilled in every way of loving, whether it is missionary, doggy, or anything else. The more you bang her, the more she will moan, and that will give you the happiness you always crave. Whether you want to fall in love with more than one partner or you want to try BDSM, you are free to do so.

    Reply

  28. joker123 ทางเข้าสล็อตโจ๊กเกอร์ ที่ดีที่สุดในปีนี้ 2024

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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