Posted on 54,532 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?

54,532 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants”

  1. Valuable info. Fortunate me I found your website unintentionally, and I am shocked why this coincidence did not happened earlier!
    I bookmarked it.

    Fashion

    Reply

  2. I really love this post I will visit again to read your post in a very short time and I hope you will make more posts like this.  英文寫作課程

    Reply

  3. Selamat datang di TESLATOTO resmi situs terpercaya dimana Anda bisa mendapatkan berbagai akses permainan menyenangkan dalam 1 akun dengan layanan transaksi tercepat teslatoto

    Reply

  13. Hello! I’ve been following your blog for a while now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from Kingwood Texas! Just wanted to mention keep up the good work! teslatoto

    Reply

  18. hi and thanks for the actual blog post ive recently been searching regarding this specific advice on-line for sum hours these days as a result thanks teslatoto

    Reply

  20. After study several of the blogs with your website now, i truly much like your strategy for blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark web site list and will be checking back soon. Pls look at my internet site at the same time and make me aware if you agree. automatic door manufacturer

    Reply

  21. This is a great inspiring article.I am pretty much pleased with your good work.You put really very helpful information. Keep it up. Keep blogging. Looking to reading your next post. Asphalt Paving

    Reply

  22. vip araç kiralamaVIP Car Istanbul ile lüks ve konforlu araç kiralama deneyimi yaşayın! Geniş araç filomuz ve profesyonel şoförlerimizle her an yanınızdayız.

    Reply

  23. izmir yangın tüpüAFS yangın, otomatik yangın söndürme sistemleri ile binaları yangına karşı korur. Güvenilir AFS yangın sistemleri için geniş seçenekler burada. Hemen iletişime geçin.

    Reply

  25. Sinoz Pink Touch Sinoz Spf 50+ Pink Touch Tone Equalizing Pink Face Sunscreen uses its unique PA++++ formula to provide superior protection against UVA and UVB radiation.

    Reply

  26. shopify danışmanlıkTürkiye Shopify Destek ve Danışmanlık hizmetleri kapsamında, partnerlerimize en modern, kullanıcı dostu ve satış odaklı e-ticaret siteleri oluşturma yolunda rehberlik ediyor, tasarlıyor ve geliştiriyoruz.

    Reply

  43. McCarthy, for his part, voiced optimism that the bipartisan deal could get through Congress despite skepticism from some lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. 메이저사이트

    Reply

  45. Sarkari Result 10th Pass Jobs?

    Ans: 10th Pass Students Can Check Their Score On The Official Website Of The Respective Board. And Search Only 10th Pass For CBSE Board Class 10th Result, UP Board High School And Intermediate Result .

    Reply

  47. Access to healthcare is crucial for all residents, including immigrants. As a concrete installer, I value inclusive practices. Offering translation services and expanding insurance options can ensure everyone receives necessary care and support. Wollongong Concreters

    Reply

  48. When I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new surveys are added- checkbox and today each time a comment is added I buy four emails concentrating on the same comment. Is there in any manner you are able to eliminate me from that service? Thanks! reliableelectricmotorsolutions.com

    Reply

  50. Yes, I am entirely agreed with this article, and I just want say that this article is very helpful and enlightening. I also have some precious piece of concerned info !!!!!!Thanks. mayor dave

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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