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?

25,893 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants

  1. I simply must tell you that you have written an excellent and unique article that I really enjoyed reading. I’m fascinated by how well you laid out your material and presented your views. Thank you. acim

    Reply

  2. This kind of seems totally best. Every one of these little information are manufactured together with lots of backdrop information. I prefer that a whole lot 해외야구중계

    Reply

  3. You understand your projects stand out of the crowd. There is something unique about them. It seems to me all of them are brilliant. 해외야구중계

    Reply

  4. I simply must tell you that you have written an excellent and unique article that I really enjoyed reading. I’m fascinated by how well you laid out your material and presented your views. Thank you. christian mystic

    Reply

  5. Access to healthcare is a significant challenge for immigrants in Albany, NY, due to limited insurance options and language barriers. Improving awareness and accessibility of existing resources is crucial. What innovative strategies can be implemented to better support immigrant communities?

    Visit Website

    Reply

  6. The actual challenge to become is normally you can actually SOLE check out that level of your tax discount over the internet by looking at your RATES web-site. 68 game bài

    Reply

  7. I can see that you are an expert at your field! I am launching a website soon, and your information will be very useful for me.. Thanks for all your help and wishing you all the success in your business.

    Reply

  8. Nice рost.I used to be chеcking constantly this webloց
    and I ɑm inspired! Extremеly useful information ρaгticularly the ultimate section :
    ) I take care of sսcһ information a lօt. I սsed to be looking for this particular
    information for a lоng tіme. Thank you and good luck. Online Text Repeater Tool

    Reply

  9. Serialeturcestro” is a premier online platform offering a diverse collection of the newest and most up-to-date Romanian dramas. Updated daily, it ensures viewers stay connected with the latest trends and narratives in Romanian television. From gripping plotlines to dynamic characters, Serialeturcestro brings forth a captivating array of dramas, catering to a wide audience with varied tastes. Dive into the rich storytelling of Romanian culture with the convenience of online streaming, all available at your fingertips on Visit Serialeturcestiro.com!

    Reply

  10. Supergacor77 merupakan situs judi slot online terpercaya menawarkan game slot88 resmi dengan rtp live slot tertinggi sehingga berhasil berkembang menjadi salah satu link slot gacor hari ini gampang maxwin. slot online terpercaya

    Reply

  11. アガルートの評判と口コミを紹介。司法試験予備試験講座の教材や講義の質の高さが人気ですが、受講生によるひどい口コミや費用の高騰など悪い情報も。詳細をチェック! アガルート 口コミ

    Reply

  12. Wedding Venues In GT Karnal Road Book Farmhouses, Banquet Halls, Hotels for Party places at GT Karnal Road Ever thought of enjoying a multi-theme Wedding Function while being at just ono then you must not have visited Farmhouses.

    Reply

  13. This is my first time visit to your blog and I am very interested in the articles that you serve. Provide enough knowledge for me. Thank you for sharing useful and don’t forget, keep sharing useful info: sex doll

    Reply

  14. The heycasino app delivers a seamless and entertaining mobile gaming experience, featuring a diverse range of games and user-friendly navigation.

    Reply

  15. Discover endless entertainment at 24kbet slots, where a diverse selection of games, exciting promotions, and a premium gaming experience await you.

    Reply

  16. Selamat Datang di Bandar Toto Macau Hari Ini Pasti di jamin jackpot dengan kesempatan menang hingga ratusan juta untuk deposit minimal 5 ribu saja rasakan kemenanganya sekarang alexistogel

    Reply

  17. Thank you because you have been willing to share information with us. we will always appreciate all you have done here because I know you are very concerned with our. ole777

    Reply

  18. I simply must tell you that you have written an excellent and unique article that I really enjoyed reading. I’m fascinated by how well you laid out your material and presented your views. Thank you. a course in miracles movies

    Reply

  19. This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing blog that understand the value of providing a quality resource for free. 총판커뮤니티

    Reply

  20. Thanks for your personal marvelous posting!
    I quite enjoyed reading it, you happen to be a great author.I will
    make sure to bookmark your blog and will eventually come back later in life.
    I want to encourage yourself to continue your great work, have a
    nice morning! https://www.totositenet.com/

    Reply

  21. Attractive, post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to say that I have liked browsing your blog posts. After all, I will surely subscribe to your feed, and I hope you will write again soon! a course in miracles

    Reply

  22. I truly delighted in perusing this post, huge fan. Keep doing awesome me when would you be able to distribute more articles or where would I be able to peruse more on the subject? cotizar seguro por kilometro

    Reply

  23. Are you ready to become the next big winner? At 24kbet, we offer an exciting and diverse platform for all your betting needs. From sports betting and games to slots, lottery, cockfights, fishing, and arcade games, we have something for everyone. Enjoy competitive odds, fantastic bonuses, and a user-friendly experience that makes betting enjoyable and easy. Join 24kbet today and take your chance at winning big!

    Reply

  24. IOSBET adalah agen slot online yang diresmikan sebagai situs rekomendasi slot online gacor yang aman dan terpercaya daftar iosbet

    Reply

  25. Lahore, the cultural and historical heart of Pakistan, is renowned for its vibrant lifestyle and rich heritage. Among the various facets that contribute to its lively ambiance, the Lahore escorts industry holds a distinct place. This article provides an in-depth exploration of
    Lahore Escorts, shedding light on the services offered, the legal landscape, and the cultural implications. Our aim is to deliver a comprehensive and detailed overview to enhance your understanding of this complex yet intriguing aspect of Lahore’s nightlife.

    Reply

  26. I truly thank you for the profitable information on this awesome subject and anticipate more incredible posts. Much obliged for getting a charge out of this excellence article with me. I am valuing it all that much! Anticipating another awesome article. Good fortunes to the creator! All the best! miituo.com

    Reply

  27. IOSBET merupakan situs bandar online yang menawarkan pelayanan berbagai game online terlengkap dengan kemudahan akses seluruh permainan hanya dalam satu akun permainan saja. login iosbet

    Reply

  28. Welcome to the ultimate hub for all things geeky – Geekzilla Podcast! If you’re a genuine enthusiast of comics, movies, gaming, or any other aspect of geek culture geekzilla podcast

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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