Posted on 26,522 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?

26,522 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants”

  2. Iran Charter ( ایران چارتر ) is Iran’s first online charter and flight ticket purchase system Charter,as the first comprehensive online ticket service provider of charter airline tickets,seeks to provide easy and convenient services to customers for easy purchase of airline tickets,so we believe that the first principle of e-commerce is the ease of operation, with a contract As a ticket supplier,We have made it easy for you with charter companies and different airlines. بلیط هواپیما چارتر

    Reply

  5. 1xbet را از وبلاگ رسمی سایت (همین آدرس) به جهت داشتن لینک های رسمی و سالم سایت و همچنین لینک مستقیم دانلود اپلیکیشن، دنبال کنید
    سایت وان ایکس بت

    Reply

  20. This slot game with a Pakistani server is very interesting, many players have made big profits from this server, if you don’t believe it, see for yourself, for further information, please visit this website https://206.189.45.97/

    Reply

  23. What i do not realize is in reality how you’re now not actually much more neatly-favored than you may be right now. You’re very intelligent. You recognize therefore considerably relating to this topic, made me in my view consider it from a lot of varied angles. Its like women and men aren’t involved until it’s one thing to do with Girl gaga! Your own stuffs excellent. Always maintain it up! pgheng99

    Reply

  25. I admire this article for the well-researched content and excellent wording. I got so involved in this material that I couldn’t stop reading. I am impressed with your work and skill. Thank you so much. joker gaming

    Reply

  29. 처음으로 여기를 방문하고 블로그에서 흥미로운 내용을 많이 발견했습니다. 특히 토론입니다. 감사합니다.
    토토사이트

    Reply

  31. IOSBET Merupakan situs bandar slot online yang memiliki banyak game slot menarik dengan rtp akurat setiap harinya. iosbet

    Reply

  32. This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I have joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your magnificent post. Also, I’ve shared your site in my social networks! そろばん大阪

    Reply

  33. I just found this blog and have high hopes for it to continue. Keep up the great work, its hard to find good ones. I have added to my favorites. Thank You. https://www.ini188pp.com/

    Reply

  34. I know your aptitude on this. I should say we ought to have an online discourse on this. Composing just remarks will close the talk straight away! What’s more, will confine the advantages from this data.  slot gacor

    Reply

  36. For any player's demand, Uniswift.ae provides a wide selection of football equipment, including cleats and jerseys. Up your game with high-quality gear that improves both flair and performance.

    Reply

  37. Just saying thanks will not just be sufficient, for the fantasti c lucidity in your writing. I will instantly grab your rss feed to stay informed of any updates. techtimepost

    Reply

  38. IOSBET >> IOSBET merupakan agen slot yang memberikan kemudahan mendapatkan scatter dengan kemenangan maksimal dalam 1 akun iosbet

    Reply

  39. 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… rubikslot

    Reply

  40. 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. techtimepost

    Reply

  41. Sweet blog! I found it while browsing on Yahoo News. Do you have any tips on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Many thanks Used mining machinery

    Reply

  42. ERIGO4D adalah situs judi yang menyediakan berbagai game di dalamnya dengan tingkat kemenangan yang tinggi dan memberikan pelayanan terbaik untuk para gamernya dengan memberikan bonus di setiap depositnya. erigo4d

    Reply

  43. Trusted game that provides the most complete games and facilities, the games are very good and very interesting to play. Apart from that, all these games provide very big prizes, for further information please visit this website https://mainterus.org

    Reply

  45. A very informationrmative article and lots of really honest and forthright comments made! This certainly got me thinking about this issue, cheers all. ②キーワード

    Reply

  47. After study some of the web sites in your web site now, and i also truly like your technique for blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back soon. Pls have a look at my web page in addition and make me aware if you agree. 世界情勢

    Reply

  48. You created some decent points there. I looked on the internet for that issue and found most individuals will go together with using your internet site. king365

    Reply

  49. Hi, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar one and i was just curious if you get a lot of spam feedback? If so how do you reduce it, any plugin or anything you can suggest? I get so much lately it’s driving me mad so any support is very much appreciated. 自己成長

    Reply

  50. When I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new surveys are added- checkbox and now when a comment is added I am four emails with the exact same comment. Is there any way you are able to get rid of me from that service? Thanks! 中古鉱山機械

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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