Posted on 46,691 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?

46,691 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants”

  2. I think this is among the most significant information for me. And i am glad reading your article. But wanna remark on some general things, The web site style is great, the articles is really great : D. Good job, cheers situs kabartoto

    Reply

  3. You can also include a handwritten note expressing your gratitude and admiration for them. Put your gift in a unique package, such as a handmade gift box, as this will add a more special significance to the present. ramo buchon con dinero

    Reply

  6. Salah satu keunggulan Api77 adalah tampilan website yang sangat user-friendly dan mudah untuk dinavigasi. Dengan desain yang modern dan intuitif, pemain dapat dengan mudah menemukan permainan favorit mereka tanpa kesulitan. Selain itu, fitur pencarian juga sangat membantu para pemain dalam mencari permainan yang mereka inginkan. Api77

    Reply

  8. Hi, you used to write magnificent articles about seattle plumbers, but the last several posts have been kinda lackluster… I miss your tremendous articles. Past several posts are just a little out of track! Seattle Plumbing how to get radio play

    Reply

  9. Digital Market Place HTML Template imaginesphare
    hw7HwT(UkR8^Mcde^KJHD

    Reply

  12. Thank you for some other informative blog. Where else could I get that type of information written in such an ideal means? I have a mission that I’m just now working on, and I have been at the look out for such information. kanban

    Reply

  14. healthy eating should be our top priority since there are many junk foods and foods with no nutritional value these days~ loose leafs

    Reply

  15. This is an excellent post I seen thanks to share it. It is really what I wanted to see hope in future you will continue for sharing such a excellent post. Zonnepanelen plaatsen

    Reply

  19. An impressive share, I simply with all this onto a colleague who had previously been performing a small analysis within this. And hubby actually bought me breakfast since I found it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the treat! But yeah Thnkx for spending the time to debate this, I’m strongly about it and adore reading more on this topic. If it is possible, as you become expertise, does one mind updating your blog site with increased details? It is actually highly helpful for me. Huge thumb up because of this short article! agencia de redes sociales mexico

    Reply

  21. First You got a great blog .I will be interested in more similar topics. i see you got really very useful topics, i will be always checking your blog thanks. Permanent ontharen

    Reply

  22. I really enjoyed reading this post, big fan. Keep up the good work andplease tell me when can you publish more articles or where can I read more on the subject? SolarEdge batterij

    Reply

  23. When your website or blog goes live for the first time, it is exciting. That is until you realize no one but you and your. Alcohol VODKA

    Reply

  24. You completed a number of nice points there. I did a search on the issue and found nearly all people will have the same opinion with your blog. Laser ontharen

    Reply

  25. You’ve got some interesting points in this article. I would have never considered any of these if I didn’t come across this. Thanks!. moroccan furniture nz

    Reply

  26. This is my first time i visit here and I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially it’s discussion, thank you. Zonnepanelen prijs

    Reply

  27. Many thanks for making the effort to talk about this, I feel strongly about this and like learning a great deal more on this subject. If feasible, as you gain knowledge, would you mind updating your weblog with a great deal more info? It’s extremely beneficial for me. Link PROFIT88

    Reply

  29. Great post i must say and thanks for the information. Education is definitely a sticky subject. However, is still among the leading topics of our time. I appreciate your post and look forward to more. Laserontharing prijs

    Reply

  30. 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 Zonnepanelen kosten

    Reply

  34. Just pure brilliance from you here. I have never expected something less than this from you and you have not disappointed me at all. I suppose you will keep the quality work going on. Zonnepanelen tegelpannen dak

    Reply

  39. Efficiently written information. It will be profitable to anybody who utilizes it, counting me. Keep up the good work. For certain I will review out more posts day in and day out. 라바카지노 보증

    Reply

  40. This website is often a walk-through it really is the information it suited you relating to this and didn’t know who need to. Glimpse here, and you’ll definitely discover it. steroids Thailand

    Reply

  41. This can be neat article along with i quite like you just read this specific article. your blog can be amazing so you get very good staff members as part of your web site. wonderful expressing continue. slot gacor terbaru

    Reply

  42. I read a article under the same title some time ago, but this articles quality is much, much better. How you do this.. jnetoto

    Reply

  44. 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. 아이러브밤

    Reply

  45. This is very educational content and written well for a change. It’s nice to see that some people still understand how to write a quality post! 아이러브밤

    Reply

  48. 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. Chimney Sweeping

    Reply

  49. Love to read it,Waiting For More new Update and I Already Read your Recent Post its Great Thanks. Chimney Sweep

    Reply

  50. I just got to this amazing site not long ago. I was actually captured with the piece of resources you have got here. Big thumbs up for making such wonderful blog page! proxyium com

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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