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?

28,695 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants

  1. That is why advertising which you appropriate search earlier than submitting. It’ll be effortless to write down excellent write-up like that. AC Repair London

    Reply

  2. I have to convey my respect for your kindness for all those that require guidance on this one field. Your special commitment to passing the solution up and down has been incredibly functional and has continually empowered most people just like me to achieve their dreams. Your amazing insightful information entails much to me and especially to my peers. Thanks a ton; from all of us. a course in miracles

    Reply

  3. Thank you again for all the knowledge you distribute,Good post. I was very interested in the article, it’s quite inspiring I should admit. I like visiting you site since I always come across interesting articles like this one.Great Job, I greatly appreciate that.Do Keep sharing! Regards, mobile locksmith Boise Idaho

    Reply

  4. 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. mobile locksmith Boise Idaho

    Reply

  5. casinomentor With in-depth reviews and recommendations, CasinoMentor helps you find the perfect site to suit your needs.

    Reply

  6. I’d prefer necessary . articles or blog posts, Produce beloved, We would desire considerably more facts by using, considering it is especially beautiful., Bless people intended for publishing. slot gacor hari ini

    Reply

  7. Hi! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a team of volunteers and new initiatives in the same niche. Blog gave us useful information to work. You have done an amazing job! buy pbn link

    Reply

  8. esse4d adalah destinasi virtual yang memukau bagi para pecinta permainan slot, menawarkan beragam permainan slot yang menarik dan mengasyikkan dengan grafis yang memukau dan fitur-fitur inovatif.

    Reply

  9. I regularly read brief articles or reviews that effectively communicate their message. This is also true for the piece of writing I am reading right now. – 24kbet lottery

    Reply

  10. 먹튀검증 우리놀이터는 회원분들 및 총판분들이 활동하기 편한 먹튀검증커뮤니티이며 먹튀검증된 먹튀검증사이트 를 확인 가능하고 먹튀 이력이 없는지 검증을 통한 안전한사이트 추천받을 수 있는 먹튀검증사이트 우리놀이터 각종 홍보 및 총판 구인구직도 가능한 우리놀이터 입니다. 먹튀검증사이트

    Reply

  11. 토토피플에서는 안전놀이터 만을 회원님들께 소개해드리고 있으며 검증이완료된 메이저놀이터 정보를 드리고 있습니다. 24시간 보안이 완벽한 메이저사이트 중 먹튀검증이 완료된 사이트를 알려드리겠습니다. 안전놀이터

    Reply

  12. 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. junk removal advertising

    Reply

  13. Thanks for this post. I definitely agree with what you are saying. I have been talking about this subject a lot lately with my mother so hopefully this will get him to see my point of view. Fingers crossed
    먹튀검증

    Reply

  14. テッドベット 出金カジノとは、2022年5月にグランドオープンしたカジノとスポーツベットの両方が楽しめるオンラインカジノです。新しくオープンしたばかりのオンラインカジノですが、日本市場に定着して多くのユーザーに支持されているボンズカジノの姉妹サイトのため、早くも良い評判を集めています。オープン当時からすでに60社を超えるプロバイダを採用しており、大規模なオンラインカジノとして人気急上昇中です。また、テッドベットカジノではスポーツベットも提供しており、日本で人気のプロ野球やJリーグなどにもベットできます。スポーツ観戦が好きな人はもちろん、カジノゲームに勝てない、飽きてきたという際の気分転換にもおすすめです。さらに24時間の日本語サポートを提供しているため、困ったことがあればいつでも問い合わせできます。たくさんのゲームで遊びたい人や、サポート体制が整備されているオンラインカジノを探している人などには、テッドベットカジノがおすすめです。また、テッドベット出金に関する迅速で安心なサービスも提供しており、多くのプレイヤーから信頼を得ています。

    Reply

  15. In a world where energy is essential and fatigue is common, Ghost Energy Drink stands out as the ultimate solution. This invigorating drink promises to awaken your senses and elevate your mood. Discover its history, taste, and unique ingredients in our in-depth blog post.
    Struggling with hair loss? The Hair DERMA ROLLER 0.5 MM DRS 540 Titanium Needles offers a proven solution. Learn how this device stimulates scalp circulation, enhances product absorption, and provides a gentle yet effective way to achieve thicker, healthier hair.
    Exploring The Benefits Of DERMA ROLLER 0.5 MM DRS 540 Titanium Needles!

    Reply

  16. Ular4d adalah situs slot yang paling gacor dan menyediakan minimal bet 200 rupiah di semua permainanan slot. Ular4d juga menyediakan Rtp terbaik saat ini hingga anda bisa mendapatkan maxwin setiap hari.

    Reply

  17. situs slot online gacor terbaru hari ini yang gampang maxwin resmi terbaik yang ada di Indonesia sobat777

    Reply

  18. 매우 유익한 게시물! 성공적인 소셜 네트워킹 캠페인을 시작하는 데 도움이되는 많은 정보가 여기에 있습니다! 티비위키

    Reply

  19. 나는 당신의 블로그를 정말 좋아합니다. 훌륭한 기사. 가장 분명한 것은 사람들이 할 수 있기 전에 배워야합니다. 티비위키 주소

    Reply

  20. yaacasino With in-depth reviews and recommendations, CasinoMentor helps you find the perfect site to suit your needs.

    Reply

  21. Nice post! This is a very nice blog that I will definitively come back to more times this year! Thanks for informative post. Crypto recovery

    Reply

  22. RAJABANDOT adalah portal online terkemuka yang menyediakan layanan taruhan togel online dan bandar togel online terpercaya. rajabandot login

    Reply

  23. Rajabandot adalah situs toto yang sudah terpercaya sejak tahun 2015 yang menjamin semua pembayaran sampai lunas tanpa adanya hambatan apapun. rajabandot login

    Reply

  24. Thank you for the information. I will offer you the great fortune of my new accurate lottery predictions. Therefore, if you like it, you can visit the website https://predikcuputo.com/

    Reply

  25. I regularly read brief articles or reviews that effectively communicate their message. This is also true for the piece of writing I am reading right now. – 24k betcasino

    Reply

  26. like this edu blog.. its give a nice information… please also check my website its a gaming site with a high winrate

    Reply

  27. like this edu blog.. its give a nice information… please also check my website its a gaming site with a high winrate

    SEMAR77

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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