Posted on 54,535 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?

54,535 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants”

  1. I really loved reading your blog. It was very well authored and easy to undertand. Unlike additional blogs I have read which are really not tht good. I also found your posts very interesting. In fact after reading. I had to go show it to my friend and he ejoyed it as well! taboo profumo afrodisiaco

    Reply

  2.  If someone week i really ashen-haired not actually pretty, whether you will lite grope a present, thought to follow us to displays bursting with ends of the earth considerably? Inside the impeccant previous, sea ever have dried-up, my hubby and i only may very well be with all of you connected thousands of samsara. 升中補習

    Reply

  3. You have a genuine capacity for composing one of a kind substance. I like how you think and the way you speak to your perspectives in this article. I concur with your mindset. Much obliged to you for sharing. vibratore verde

    Reply

  4. It was wondering if I could use this write-up on my other website, I will link it back to your website though.Great Thanks. Great site

    Reply

  7. Oh my goodness! an excellent article dude. Thanks a ton However My business is experiencing problem with ur rss . Do not know why Struggle to join it. Will there be everyone finding identical rss issue? Anyone who knows kindly respond. Thnkx mp4moviez

    Reply

  8. I’m having a small problem. I’m unable to subscribe to your rss feed for some reason. I’m using google reader by the way. valmeadmotors

    Reply

  10. I have recently started a blog, the info you provide on this site has helped me greatly. Thanks for all of your time & work Uber Premier

    Reply

  12. Packwoods X Runtz. Shop Now packwoods x runtz disposable vape New Arrival Compare Add to wishlist Quick View Natural Runtz Wrap Rated 0 out of 5 $70.00 Add to cart Compare Add to wishlist Quick View Fresh Strawberry Runtz Wrap Rated 0 out of 5 $70.00 Add to cart Compare Add to wishlist Quick View Banana Split Runtz Wrap Rated […] packwood disposable

    Reply

  30. The price of a diamond ring can vary greatly depending on several factors including the size, quality, and color of the diamond(s), as well as the type of metal used in the setting. Generally, diamond rings can range from a few hundred dollars for simpler designs with smaller or lower quality diamonds to tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars for more elaborate designs with larger, higher quality diamonds. It’s important to consider your budget and priorities when shopping for a diamond ring to find the best option within your price range. 鑽戒價格

    Reply

  32. 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, koszt wiercenia studni

    Reply

  33. موقع جامعة المنارة

    نحن نسعى في جامعة المنارة إلى تعزيز التعليم والتعلّم والبحث العلمي، مما يسهم في زيادة فرص التوظيف وتحقيق أثر اقتصادي واجتماعي كبير في الساحل السوري وسورية ككل …

    القي نظرة خفيفة على الموقع :
    https://www.manara.edu.sy/

    #جامعة_المنارة
    #موقع_جامعة_المنارة
    #manara

    Reply

  36. Hiya, I’m really glad I’ve found this information. Today bloggers publish only about gossips and internet and this is really irritating. A good website with interesting content, that’s what I need. Thanks for keeping this web site, I’ll be visiting it. Do you do newsletters? Can’t find it. mpo777

    Reply

  37. I definitely enjoying every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post. usaupnews

    Reply

  42. Experience reliable and efficient transportation with our van services in New Jersey. Our company offers professional van services tailored to meet your specific needs. With a fleet of well-maintained vans and experienced drivers familiar with the New Jersey area, we prioritize punctuality, safety, and customer satisfaction. Whether you need airport transfers, corporate transportation, or leisurely travel within New Jersey, our reliable van services ensure a comfortable and stress-free journey. Choose our trusted van services for all your transportation needs in New Jersey and enjoy peace of mind with our exceptional service. Book now for a reliable and enjoyable travel experience in NJ.
    https://vanservicenjny.com/

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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