Posted on 54,534 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?

54,534 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants”

  1. Balaksix adalah situs judi online yang aman dan terpercaya yang menyediakan berbagai jenis permainan slot gacor terbaik. Dengan reputasi yang baik di kalangan para pemain judi online, Balaksix telah menjadi pilihan utama bagi mereka yang mencari pengalaman berjudi yang menyenangkan dan menguntungkan.

    Reply

  2. Jackpot86 adalah situs judi online yang aman dan terpercaya yang menyediakan berbagai jenis permainan slot gacor terbaik. Dengan reputasi yang baik di kalangan para pemain judi online, Jackpot86 telah menjadi pilihan utama bagi mereka yang mencari pengalaman berjudi yang menyenangkan dan menguntungkan.

    Reply

  3. Topbandar adalah link alternatif login dan daftar situs judi slot online gacor Slot777 resmi no 1 di indonesia terbaik dan terpercaya hari ini. *a href=”https://biblemuseumonthesquare.org/”>Topbandar*

    Reply

  8. The article posted was very informative and useful. You people are doing a great job. Keep going. bet138

    Reply

  10. Very efficiently written information. It will be beneficial to anybody who utilizes it, including me. Keep up the good work. For sure i will check out more posts. This site seems to get a good amount of visitors. sungaitoto

    Reply

  11. Technewsme is the updated news source for technology and crypto news in Dubai and the Middle East. Tech News Middle East .Get the current tech news in UAE.

    Reply

  12. Technewsme is the updated news source for technology and crypto news in Dubai and the Middle East. Tech News Middle East .Get the current tech news in UAE.

    Reply

  13. Gangaur Realtech is a professionally managed organisation specializing in real estate services where integrated services are provided by professionals to its clients seeking increased value by owning, occupying or investing in real estate. insight inspirw

    Reply

  15. Your article is superb, and I appreciate the depth of information you offer. Please keep sharing your insights

    Reply

  18. I am impressed by the information that you have on this blog. It shows how well you understand this subject.

    Reply

  19. I can’t believe focusing long enough to research; much less write this kind of article. You’ve outdone yourself with this material without a doubt. It is one of the greatest contents. 토토커뮤니티

    Reply

  21. I needed to thank you for this phenomenal read!! I unquestionably adored each and every piece of it. I have you bookmarked your site to look at the new stuff you post. Gate repair

    Reply

  22. I am impressed. I don’t think Ive met anyone who knows as much about this subject as you do. You are truly well informed and very intelligent. You wrote something that people could understand and made the subject intriguing for everyone. Really, great blog you have got here. youtube刷粉

    Reply

  23. NENG4D merupakan agen slot online yang menyediakan beragam permainan yang mudah mendapatkan maxwin bagi pecinta game slot online di indonesia. neng4d

    Reply

  24. This particular is usually apparently essential and moreover outstanding truth along with for sure fair-minded and moreover admittedly useful My business is looking to find in advance designed for this specific useful stuffs… Elf Bar

    Reply

  25. One of the most significant advantages of using cardvcc is the flexibility it offers. Whether you’re shopping for clothes, booking travel arrangements, or subscribing to online services, cardvcc lets you manage your spending without worrying about unauthorized charges. By generating unique virtual card numbers for each transaction, cardvcc eliminates the risk of your primary credit card information being compromised. This way, even if a virtual card number is exposed, your actual credit card details remain confidential and secure.

    Reply

  26. From video conferencing with therapists to AI-powered mental health apps, the landscape of healthcare is shifting, allowing for more personalized and accessible care solutions. nangs delivery

    Reply

  29. I needed to thank you for this phenomenal read!! I unquestionably adored each and every piece of it. I have you bookmarked your site to look at the new stuff you post. Education and research

    Reply

  30. Watch drama asian Online for free releases in Korean, Taiwanese, Thailand and Chinese with English subtitles on MyasianTV.

    Reply

  31. Fabulous post, you have denoted out some fantastic points, I likewise think this s a very wonderful website. I will visit again for more quality contents and also, recommend this site to all. Thanks. Slot Gacor

    Reply

  33. 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. APDM

    Reply

  34. Great job, I was doing a google search and your site came up for homes for sale in Altamonte Springs, FL but anyway, I have enjoyed reading it, keep it up! Naga303

    Reply

  35. I was looking at some of your posts on this website and I conceive this web site is really instructive! Keep putting up.. Bra dubai

    Reply

  37. Fashion is a form of art that allows us to express ourselves without words, to communicate our feelings, passions, and aspirations through our choice of clothing. warren lotas lakers

    Reply

  38. Fashion is a form of storytelling, allowing us to narrate our lives through the clothes we wear and the way we present ourselves to the world. warren lotas lakers

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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