Posted on 46,596 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?

46,596 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants”

  1. Lahore escorts is the best escorts provider website in which you can find the perfect escorts models and find more beautiful escorts models.
    Lahore call girls!

    Reply

  4. 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. buy steroids

    Reply

  6. This is my first time i visit here. I found such a substantial number of interesting stuff in your blog especially its examination. Really its inconceivable article. Keep it up. daftar slot terbaik

    Reply

  7. 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. Situs Slot Online

    Reply

  11. Very rapidly this site will be famous among all blogging and site-building users, due to it’s good articles 마사지

    Reply

  13. Francesco Baittiner & Figli SRL sets the benchmark for international logistics. With a network covering Genoa, Salerno, Livorno, Rome, Milan, Hong Kong, and Shanghai, we provide unparalleled distribution and transportation services for a hassle-free experience. pratiche importazione nave

    Reply

  18. I love reading blog posts with great information like this. Usually I just like to read and learn about hight techloky slave lord apk. But I came across this article and after reading it, I found it quite informative. I will read more of your articles.

    Reply

  19. This is exactly for that reason fabulous and additionally extremely creative. I simply absolutely love all the different shades and additionally anyone can get the software on the deliver would be happy. 카지노 커뮤니티

    Reply

  20. Quite great submit. I recently discovered the web site and also wished to point out that we have got actually appreciated exploring your website content. All things considered I’ll become opting-in in your nourish and also I am hoping an individual compose once more shortly! natural looking false lashes

    Reply

  21. Hello, I have browsed most of your posts. This post is probably where I got the most useful information for my research. Thanks for posting, maybe we can see more on this. Are you aware of any other websites on this subject. 슬롯사이트

    Reply

  23. If you set out to make me think today; mission accomplished! I really like your writing style and how you express your ideas. Thank you. false lashes

    Reply

  25. 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. Wordhippo 5 Letter Words

    Reply

  36. Your post highlights the potential of starting a side hustle or part-time business alongside a regular job to generate additional income. It’s a way to test ideas and make money on the side. For additional insights, click here

    Reply

  37. Dapurtoto merupakan salah satu bo togel terpercaya di indonesia yang hadir dengan bettingan togel online termurah yakni 100 perak dan hadiah situs toto online 10 juta langsung bayar. bo togel terpercaya

    Reply

  40. 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, sikat99.vip

    Reply

  41. In many countries, a person’s immigration status can significantly impact their eligibility for healthcare services. Undocumented immigrants or those with uncertain immigration status may face barriers to accessing healthcare.
    Our Website : Situs SIKAT88 Slot Gacor

    Reply

  42. Yes i am totally agreed with this article and i just want say that this article is very nice and very informative article.I will make sure to be reading your blog more. You made a good point but I can’t help but wonder, what about the other side? !!!!!!THANKS!!!!!! sikat99.vip

    Reply

  43. Wow! Such an amazing and helpful post this is. I really really love it. It’s so good and so awesome. I am just amazed. I hope that you continue to do your work like this in the future also asianbookie bandar bola

    Reply

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

    Reply

  50. 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. Files Over Miles

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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