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?

51,614 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants

  1. I am a new user of this site so here i saw multiple articles and posts posted by this site,I curious more interest in some of them hope you will give more information on this topics in your next articles. 먹튀검증

    Reply

  2. Awesome article, it was exceptionally helpful! I simply began in this and I’m becoming more acquainted with it better! Cheers, keep doing awesome! Muskan SEO

    Reply

  3. Many thanks for making the effort to discuss this, I feel strongly about this and like learning a great deal more on this matter. If feasible, as you gain knowledge, would you mind updating your webpage with a great deal more info? It’s really helpful for me. 뉴토끼

    Reply

  4. 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. Large language models (LLMs)

    Reply

  5. Indulge in the ultimate maritime escape with Yacht Rental Dubai. Cruise the pristine waters of Dubai in style aboard our exquisite yachts. Whether you’re planning a romantic outing or a corporate event, our fleet offers unparalleled elegance and comfort. Our dedicated team ensures every detail is perfected, from seamless service to breathtaking views of the iconic skyline. Experience the epitome of luxury on the Arabian Gulf with Yacht Rental Dubai. Book your voyage today and embark on an unforgettable journey through the sparkling seas of Dubai.

    Reply

  6. https://www.gunayydin.com/ Embark on a lavish aquatic adventure with Yacht Rental Dubai. Explore the stunning waters of Dubai aboard our luxurious yachts, meticulously crafted for opulence and comfort. Whether you crave a romantic sunset cruise or a thrilling event venue, our fleet caters to every desire. Our professional crew ensures a seamless experience, allowing you to relax and soak in the breathtaking views of the city skyline. Elevate your maritime escapade with Yacht Rental Dubai – where luxury meets the sea. Book now for an unforgettable voyage on the Arabian Gulf.

    Reply

  7. Nominal total wages – including employers’ Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions – of full-time resident employees who had been with the same employer for at least one year rose by 6.5 per cent last year. 토토힐

    Reply

  8. People Search in Google :- Seoonlinejaipur – Seo Jaipur – Seo Services Jaipur.
    Seo online jaipur provides a full suite of digital marketing services and award winning best SEO company in Jaipur.

    Reply

  9. We have sell some products of different custom boxes.it is very useful and very low price please visits this site thanks and please share this post with your friends. situs slot win33

    Reply

  10. i never know the use of adobe shadow until i saw this post. thank you for this! this is very helpful. Muskan SEO

    Reply

  11. No.1 먹튀검증 사이트, 먹튀사이트, 검증사이트, 토토사이트, 안전사이트, 메이저사이트, 안전놀이터 정보를 제공하고 있습니다. 먹튀해방으로 여러분들의 자산을 지켜 드리겠습니다. 먹튀검증 전문 커뮤니티 먹튀클린만 믿으세요!! 먹튀검증

    Reply

  12. the most common table lamp these days still use incandescent lamp but some of them use compact fluorescent lamps which are cool to touch,, dewapoker

    Reply

  13. Your blog provided us with valuable information to work with. Each & every tips of your post are awesome. Thanks a lot for sharing. Keep blogging, copywriting wikipedia

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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