Posted on 43,849 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?

43,849 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants”

  3. Generally I do not read article on blogs, but I would like to say that this write-up very forced me to try and do it! Your writing style has been surprised me. Thanks, quite nice article. acim

    Reply

  6. The following time I learn a weblog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as much as this one. I imply, I do know it was my choice to read, however I really thought youd have something interesting to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about one thing that you can repair should you werent too busy on the lookout for attention. mosquito

    Reply

  8. Rediscover the health rituals of the ancients, reinvented for today’s wellness enthusiasts. Our all-natural dietary supplements blend historical insights … ancient vitamins

    Reply

  10. This is what piece appears to have a wide selection of targeted customers. Would you market it? It all offers a decent special distort for aspects. Maybe enjoying one bona fide or even higher to supply information on is the most essential subject. a course in miracles movies

    Reply

  11. Following analyze several of the website content on your own internet site now, and I in fact like your way of running a blog. I book marked that to be able to my save web site listing and can be examining back again shortly. Please attempt my own website as effectively as well as let me know what you believe. movie watchers guide to enlightenment

    Reply

  14. visitorbet88 Menjadi salah satu website yang memiliki lisensi dan sertifikat resmi yang sudah di akui Internasional

    Reply

  20. winwin Dalam waktu kurang dari 1 menit deposit dan penarikan Anda tanpa harus menunggu lama

    Reply

  23. Your article not only provided valuable information but also sparked introspection and reflection on my part. nỏ hu

    Reply

  24. A spectacular game that is very exciting to play, this can be very interesting entertainment, there are lots of games that you can play, apart from that you can also get a big jackpot prize, for further information please visit this website https://143.198.213.163/

    Reply

  26. Play interesting online slot games, experience a very tense sensation and get attractive prizes, for further information please visit this website https://betaja.org

    Reply

  27. The contents present at this website are genuinely remarkable for people experience,

    Reply

  31. Myanmar server link, very exciting slot game link which always gives every player a win, play and feel the excitement, for further information please visit this website https://jamu303.land/

    Reply

  33. Obviously I like your web ARTIKEL
    SLOT GACOR >> LIATOGEL merupakan situs yang menyediakan berbagai jenis Slot Online.

    Reply

  34. Obviously I like your web ARTIKEL
    SLOT GACOR >> LIATOGEL merupakan situs yang menyediakan berbagai jenis Slot Online.

    Reply

  35. Obviously I like your web ARTIKEL !!
    SLOT GACOR >> LIATOGEL merupakan situs yang menyediakan berbagai jenis Slot Online.

    Reply

  36. Obviously I like your web ARTIKEL !!
    SLOT GACOR >> LIATOGEL merupakan situs yang menyediakan berbagai jenis Slot Online.

    Reply

  37. Obviously I like your web ARTIKEL !!
    SLOT GACOR >> LIATOGEL merupakan situs yang menyediakan berbagai jenis Slot Online.

    Reply

  40. Thankyouuu lovedd
    SLOT GACOR >> LIATOGEL merupakan situs yang menyediakan berbagai jenis Slot Online.

    Reply

  43. Thankyouuu lovedd
    SLOT GACOR >> LIATOGEL merupakan situs yang menyediakan berbagai jenis Slot Online.

    Reply

  46. You can get an extraordinary sensation playing online slot games if you play this online slot game, this game is very spectacular and is liked by many people, for further information please visit this website https://buathtml.com/

    Reply

  48. Thankyouuu loved
    SLOT GACOR >> LIATOGEL merupakan situs yang menyediakan berbagai jenis Slot Online.

    Reply

    1. چاپ دیجیتال یکی از انواع تکثیر است که دارای محصول ها زیادی است و امروزه استفاده فوق العاده زیادی دارد.این نوع تکثیر در زمینه های مختلفی کاربرد دارد و میتوان از آن به عنوان یکی از پر استفاده ترین و پر مصرف ترین تکثیر ها نام برد.

      Reply

Leave a Reply

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