Posted on 46,601 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?

46,601 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants”

  6. Dewa77 Memiliki tim yang berpengalaman dalam menangani anggota ketika mereka mengalami kesulitan

    Reply

  9. JPBonanza Kami juga memiliki metode transaksi yang sangat lengkap yang bekerjasama dengan berbagai pihak

    Reply

  18. I appreciate you providing another useful website. Where else could I possibly find that kind of knowledge stated in such an ideal way. Digital Marketing

    Reply

  19. 훌륭한 읽기, 긍정적 인 사이트,이 게시물에 대한 정보를 어디서 얻었습니까? 지금 귀하의 웹 사이트에서 몇 가지 기사를 읽었으며 귀하의 스타일이 정말 마음에 듭니다. 백만명에게 감사하고 효과적인 작업을 계속하십시오. 온라인홀덤

    Reply

  20. Divulgación del anunciante: FuturIApp.com se compromete a mantener rigurosos estándares editoriales para proporcionar a nuestros usuarios contenido preciso y útil. Para mantener nuestro sitio gratuito, podemos recibir compensación cuando hace clic en algunos enlaces en nuestro sitio. apps.futuriaproject.com Service@12345

    Reply

  22. Introducing “ Fitspresso Reviews,” a groundbreaking coffee blend meticulously designed to support weight loss endeavors. Infused with natural metabolism-boosting elements like green tea extract and garcinia cambogia, Fitspresso stimulates fat-burning processes while delivering the indulgent taste of premium coffee. This innovative concoction merges the invigorating effects of caffeine with thermogenic properties, fostering calorie incineration and appetite suppression. Its synergistic components are thoughtfully curated to bolster sustainable weight management initiatives. Whether savored as a morning ritual or an afternoon energizer, Fitspresso elevates your coffee experience while propelling you towards your fitness aspirations. Embrace Fitspresso as your ally in the pursuit of a healthier, more vibrant lifestyle.

    Reply

  23. Awesome and interesting article. Great things you’ve always shared with us. Thanks. Just continue composing this kind of post. tartaria map

    Reply

  24. 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. bmw m4 mieten

    Reply

  25. in this article, you’ll get a full process guide on how to cancel your FuboTV subscription on FuboTv website and other popular streaming platforms like Roku, iOS, Android, and Apple TV. how to cancel your FuboTV

    Reply

  28. 당신의 기사는 정말 사랑스러워 보입니다. 여기 당신이 좋아할만한 사이트 링크가 있습니다. 먹튀검증

    Reply

  31. PAFI, singkatan dari Persatuan Ahli Farmasi Indonesia, merupakan organisasi profesi yang didirikan dengan tujuan untuk memajukan bidang farmasi di Indonesia. Sejak berdiri pada tahun 1953, PAFI telah aktif dalam memberikan dukungan dan pengembangan kepada para ahli farmasi di seluruh tanah air. https://pafipemkomedan.org/

    Reply

  32. You can enjoy a range of activities with your Escorts in Delhi while maintaining privacy, from sensual massages to cuddling and kissing. She will help you forget all your troubles and bad memories quickly, and you can have a decent time together. Experience Unforgettable Nights with Exotic Delhi! When it comes to a steamy bedroom night, there is no better companion than a Delhi girl.

    Reply

  34. I am typically in order to running a blog and that i actually appreciate your content. The actual article has actually peaks my personal interest. I am going to save your web site and gaze after checking for brand spanking new data. dépannage ordinateur à distance

    Reply

  37. I really appreciate this post. I¡¦ve been looking everywhere for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You’ve made my day! Thanks again acim app

    Reply

  47. KS-AC Repair the best air conditioning and TV repair services in Jumeirah Golf Estates – Dubai! Our AC service team delivers prompt and efficient solutions such as AC duct cleaning, AC repair near me and AC maintenance Dubai. We are the best AC service company Dubai for both Split AC repair Dubai and central ac repair Dubai, 24-hour emergency air conditioning repair service. Experience the best AC services in Dubai with prompt service. KS provide excellent TV repair services. We fix everything from Samsung qled TV repair to LG TV screen repair, led TV repair to Smart TVs. Our TV repair experts provide speedy and dependable solutions. Choose our AC and TV repair in Dubai for the fastest, most reliable and simply best service.
    KS – AC Repair

    Reply

  49. […]we like to honor many other internet sites on the web, even if they aren’t linked to us, by linking to them. Under are some webpages worth checking out[…]… NSFW Character AI

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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