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?

38,344 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants

  1. Thank you for this wonderful and interesting article. I would surely share this article with my friends
    123bet

    Reply

  2. Great article. We are the best Buy Bulk Gmail Accounts provider. By buying gmail accounts you can increase your business. And also providing all types of social media accounts. For more information please visit our website: Buy Bulk Gmail Accounts

    Reply

  3. Wow, this blog is awesome. I like reading the things you write. Keep doing your best! You must know that a lot of people are looking for this information.
    russian market

    Reply

  4. Thank you so much for sharing this great blog.Very inspiring and helpful too.Hope you continue to share more of your ideas.I will definitely love to read
    zunostore su

    Reply

  5. This is an awesome motivating article.I am practically satisfied with your great work.You put truly extremely supportive data. Keep it up. Continue blogging. Hoping to perusing your next post Zwembad plaatsen

    Reply

  6. I will really appreciate the writer’s choice for choosing this excellent article appropriate to my matter.Here is deep description about the article matter which helped me more. Zwembad op maat

    Reply

  7. Interesting post. I Have Been wondering about this issue, so thanks for posting. Pretty cool post.It ‘s really very nice and Useful post.Thanks Zonnepanelen Leuven

    Reply

  8. Thanks for sharing this information. I really like your blog post very much. You have really shared a informative and interesting blog post . Polypropyleen zwembad

    Reply

  9. Easily, the article is actually the best topic on this registry related issue. I fit in with your conclusions and will eagerly look forward to your next updates. Just saying thanks will not just be sufficient, for the fantasti c lucidity in your writing. I will instantly grab your rss feed to stay informed of any updates. Zonnepanelen Leuven

    Reply

  10. It is the intent to provide valuable information and best practices, including an understanding of the regulatory process. Buitenzwembad

    Reply

  11. This is a fabulous post I seen because of offer it. It is really what I expected to see trust in future you will continue in sharing such a mind boggling post Zwembad aanleggen

    Reply

  12. 2 โปรโมชั่นนี้ ib888 เป็นโปรโมชั่นที่ได้รับความนิยม และได้รับความสนใจอย่างมาก จากเหล่านักเดิมพัน เพราะเป็นโปรโมชั่นแจกเครดิตฟรี ที่นักเดิมพันไม่ต้องทำอะไร ไม่มีเงื่อนไข และสามารถรับได้ตลอดทุกครั้งที่เลือกวางเดิมพัน

    รับโบนัสเครดิตฟรี เพิ่ม 10% จากการเชิญเพื่อนเข้าเล่น
    เงินคืนยอดเสีย 5% จากทุก ๆ การวางเดิมพัน

    Reply

  13. I have to search sites with relevant information on given topic and provide them to teacher our opinion and the article. Monoblock zwembad

    Reply

  14. Great tips and very easy to understand. This will definitely be very useful for me when I get a chance to start my blog. Airco installatie

    Reply

  15. I would also motivate just about every person to save this web page for any favorite assistance to assist posted the appearance. Zwembadbouw

    Reply

  16. I’ve been searching for some decent stuff on the subject and haven’t had any luck up until this point, You just got a new biggest fan!.. Zwembad bouwen

    Reply

  17. PG SLOT, a direct website, not a direct website through the number one slot website agent, pgslot deposits and withdrawals, no steps. Slot games are very popular. Direct slots, not through an agent, PG pg slotspg, the highest slot game website, free trial Try playing every camp.pg

    Reply

  18. Our direct website slots are certified to be the website that meets the highest standards. Whether the financial system Have stability and wealth. slotxo direct websites, online slots, the number 1 slots website that is accepted all over the world. Easy to play, get money, easy to win, big to win, unlimited deposits and withdrawals, no minimum.

    Reply

  19. “My wife and i have been quite thrilled that Peter could deal with his researching via the precious recommendations he grabbed from your web site. It’s not at all simplistic to just possibly be giving for free facts which some people have been trying to sell. Therefore we consider we need the blog owner to appreciate for this. The main illustrations you made, the simple blog menu, the friendships your site help to instill – it’s got mostly astounding, and it’s really aiding our son in addition to the family recognize that this idea is brilliant, which is extraordinarily indispensable. Thank you for all!” dépannage ordinateur boulogne billancourt

    Reply

  20. Hello I’m dehardun escort service provider girl 23 years young with hot and sexy body figure interested clients can contact us or visit our official site.
    dehradun escorts

    Reply

  21. g2g168p นักเดิมพันที่อยากเลือกวางเดิมพัน PGSLOT ค่ายเกมสล็อตออนไลน์ชื่อดัง สามารถเลือกรับเครดิตฟรี pgslot ฝาก 50 รับ 100 ผ่านทางหน้าเว็บสล็อตออนไลน์ ทางเข้า PGSLOT เว็บตรง วางเดิมพันเกมสล็อตออนไลน์ ฝากเพียง 50 บาท รับเครดิตฟรี 100 บาท ทำกำไรจากเกมสล็อตออนไลน์ ค่าย PGSLOT ด้วยเครดิตฟรี ที่สามารถเลือกรับได้ทั้งวัน นักเดิมพันที่ชื่นชอบเกมสล็อตออนไลน์ib888 อยากเลือกวางเดิมพันเกมสล็อตออนไลน์ สามารถรับเครดิตฟรี วางเดิมพันเกมสล็อตออนไลน์ได้ทั้งวัน เหมาะสำหรับนักเดิมพันที่อยากเลือกวางเดิมพันเกมสล็อตออนไลน์อย่างมากเลยทีเดียว เลือกวางเดิมพัน PGSLOT ผ่านทางเว็บไซต์วันนี้ รับเครดิตฟรีเพิ่มได้ทันที

    Reply

  22. We are one of the highest luxury Karol Bagh Escort whose match can’t be found. I give them full support on beginning to till full satisfaction. Therefore, people across the town may be assured about having the erotic services from our independent Karol Bagh call girl WhatsApp number.

    Reply

  23. QQSLOT merupakan situs gacor the best and most exciting slot game di indonesia. nikmati maxwin setiap hari bermain disini daftar qqslot

    Reply

  24. 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.. 花蓮包車

    Reply

  25. One of the key reasons why Night Girls Lahore stands out from other escort agencies in the city is the quality of its escorts.
    Night Girls Lahore

    Reply

  26. 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.. custom mug

    Reply

  27. Slot gacor maxwin di situs slot gacor hari ini slot88 yang di jamin gampang menang, Jika ingin merasakan slot online super gacor dengan maka bermain lah disini. slot88

    Reply

  28. https://certainkey.com/ Ligaciputra adalah platform terpercaya untuk para penggemar game slot online. Dikenal sebagai link bandar slot gacor dengan jackpot menarik tiap harinya, slot Ligaciputra sudah jadi pilihan utama untuk pecinta judi daring. Dengan koleksi game yang beragam, slotter dapat menikmati pengalaman bermain yang seru dan mendebarkan.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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