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?

27,200 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants

  1. permainan terbaik dan terlengkap silahkan masuk ke situs inatogel prediksi yang tentu saja akan membuat anda memiliki penghasilan dari game, ayo silahkan dicoba

    Reply

  2. Selamat Datang di situs alexistogel rasakan kemenangan terbaik dalam bermain slot dana dengan deposit minimal 5rb anda bisa mendapatkan maksimal kemenangan alexistogel

    Reply

  3. Jhonslot adalah slot gacor hari ini dengan winrate 97,9% kemenangan dijamin untuk para pemburu maxwin hari ini juga, juga banyak bonus setiap hari untuk semua member.

    Reply

  4. Thank you for the information. I will offer you the luck of big numbers with my accurate lottery predictions. Therefore, if you like it, you can visit the website https://angkabagusmeme.com/

    Reply

  5. It’s heartening to see the discussion around the unique healthcare challenges that immigrants face in the U.S., particularly in Albany, NY. The point about the lack of comprehensive health coverage for immigrants, especially undocumented ones, touches on a crucial aspect of public health that often goes underreported. It’s commendable that New York State provides some coverage through the Child Health Plus and Medicaid for pregnant women, which are crucial steps towards inclusivity. However, as highlighted, the lack of preventive care for many immigrants is a glaring gap that needs addressing to ensure all residents can live healthier lives.

    The integration of language services, like the ‘Language Identification Tool Poster,’ is a fantastic initiative. It underscores the importance of overcoming language barriers in healthcare settings to ensure that all patients receive equitable care. It reminds me of the detailed guides found in a Tee-Kompendium, which meticulously categorizes various types of tea and their brewing instructions in multiple languages, ensuring accessibility and understanding.

    This proactive approach could be mirrored in the healthcare system, where a similar “healthcare kompendium” could be developed. Such a resource would guide immigrants through the complex landscape of available health services, rights, and insurance options in multiple languages, enhancing their ability to access necessary care without the fear of miscommunication.

    Moreover, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare the importance of clear communication about public health measures. The effort by Valleywise Health Medical Center to disseminate information in multiple languages is a pivotal move toward inclusive health communication. Such measures not only help in curtailing the spread of misinformation but also empower a vulnerable segment of the population to take informed actions regarding their health.

    It’s crucial for healthcare systems to evolve continually to meet the needs of a diverse populace, ensuring that no one is left behind, especially in times of global crises. Thank you for bringing attention to this critical issue with a comprehensive analysis and thoughtful insights. How can communities further engage in creating accessible healthcare resources for all their residents?

    Reply

  6. Unbelievable article! If you’re interested in making real money, this is a must-read. It provides unique insights and practical tips to help you succeed financially. Don’t miss out on this valuable information! join and experience now ekbet

    Reply

  7. Red Tiger Gaming merupakan situs game slot red tiger gaming penghasil saldo dana resmi dan berlisensi dengan bettingan receh memberikan anda auto maxwin dan sensational.

    Reply

  8. 플레이포커머니상 번개머니 ☎ O1O.8126.6070 카톡 : mega6070 첫충 다양한이벤트 24시 운영 안전거래 365일 플레이포커,플레이포커시세플레이포커코인안전하게 충전 매입 플레이포커 정식허가 업체 머니상 · 환전상 언제든지 신속 플레이포커머니상

    Reply

  9. welcome di situs tergacor dan terpercaya di Indonesia yaitu situs hatoribet yang tentu saja akan membuat anda memiliki penghasilan dari game, ayo silahkan dicoba

    Reply

  10. SITUS SLOT GACOR NOMOR 1 DI INDONESIA PALING TERPERCAYA DAN PASTI MAXWIN. PLAY IT NOW!!!!! CLICK ->> ALPHASLOT88

    Reply

  11. jika anda ingin mencari permainan terlengkap tergacor dan terpercaya silahkan kunjungi situs hatoribet yang tentu saja akan membuat anda memiliki penghasilan dari game, ayo silahkan dicoba

    Reply

  12. Wow! This could be one particular of the most useful blogs We have ever arrive across on this subject. Basically Great. I’m also an expert in this topic so I can understand your effort. 離婚 弁護士 東京

    Reply

  13. After study several of the blogs with your website now, i truly much like your strategy for blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark web site list and will be checking back soon. Pls look at my internet site at the same time and make me aware if you agree. 債務整理 弁護士 東京

    Reply

  14. The Chapter So Four Lives In The Glory is website that beckons both seasoned bibliophiles and curious newcomers alike to immerse themselves in a world of captivating stories and thought-provoking prose. thechaptersofourlives

    Reply

  15. QQ2889 adalah situs slot online yang dikenal sebagai situs yang prosesnya cepat banget, Dan juga bersetifikat resmi Philipines, manila serta dijaga oleh Pemerintah Indonesia. QQ2889 menawarkan berbagai bonus yang menarik seperti welcome bonus hingga 100% dan member juga dapat dp/wd dengan proses yang sangat cepat. qq2889

    Reply

  16. MotorShop USA: Electric motor sales and repair shop providing quality service you can trust since 1959. Trained Professionals, Quality You Can Trust. motorshopusa.com

    Reply

  17. Hey there! Looking for the latest updates in the world of cricket? Check out the hottest news and stay informed about match results and player performances with 7inr Dont miss out on any of the action

    Reply

  18. Hi everyone! How is everything going? I think everyone is getting a lot of value from this site, and your feedback is incredibly useful for newcomers. – tiranga lottery

    Reply

  19. Slot6000 Merupakan situs slot paling gacor hanya dengan minimal deposit 6000 ribu anda sudah bisa bermain di situs kami. Member baru pasti di jamin maxwin dengan Rtp akurat pastinya 100%

    Reply

  20. This can be in addition a fantastic distribute that individuals really adored studying. It is not everyday that i contain the possibility to ascertain a thing. click here

    Reply

  21. Thank you, I’ve just been searching for information about this topic for a while and yours is the greatest I’ve discovered till now. But, what in regards to the conclusion? Are you sure concerning the supply? pafikabkepahiang.org

    Reply

  22. I haven’t any phrase to realize this publish…..truly i am inspired from this put up….the person that create this publish it was a terrific human..thank you for shared this with us. situs judi bola terpercaya

    Reply

  23. ek bet app With a wide range of exciting games and a user-friendly interface, LunubetCasino offers endless entertainment and thrilling opportunities to win big

    Reply

  24. Hi everyone! How is everything going? I think everyone is getting a lot of value from this site, and your feedback is incredibly useful for newcomers. – my 11 circle cricket

    Reply

  25. Explora las exposiciones más destacadas de Madrid con Dondego.es, tu guía completa de eventos culturales. Nuestra plataforma agrega y destaca las exhibiciones más interesantes de la ciudad, desde arte contemporáneo hasta historia y ciencia. Ya seas un entusiasta del arte o simplemente curioso por descubrir nuevas expresiones culturales, encontrarás en Dondego.es una selección cuidadosamente curada de exposiciones imperdibles. Mantente al tanto de fechas, ubicaciones y detalles clave para planificar tu visita y sumergirte en la riqueza cultural de Madrid https://dondego.es/madrid/exposiciones/

    Reply

  26. A Room Booking System is an efficient and user-friendly solution designed to streamline the process of reserving meeting rooms, conference halls, or other shared spaces within an organization. This system allows users to easily view available rooms, make reservations, and manage bookings through a centralized platform.https://www.eviggroup.com/room-booking-system

    Reply

  27. Hi to everybody, here everyone is sharing such knowledge, so it’s fastidious to see this site, and I used to visit this blog daily slot gacor

    Reply

  28. Anyway, your blog is excellent, and I’m happy to read it! Many students need to write an economics research paper, but not all can do it well. Visit our site, WriteMyPaper4Me, for paper writing assistance. Even if you have a good idea, writing the various chapters in the correct research paper format can be challenging.

    Reply

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

    Reply

  30. Hi to all, how is everything, I think every one is getting more from this site,
    and your views are nice for new users. – tiranga lottery

    Reply

  31. Hotel4D provides a seamless and exciting slot gaming experience. The games are visually stunning, and the win rate is impressive. It’s the perfect site for anyone looking to enjoy and win big at online slots

    Reply

  32. Nice to be visiting your blog again, it has been months for me. Well this article that i’ve been waited for so long. I need this article to complete my assignment in the college, and it has same topic with your article. Thanks, great share. Heng855

    Reply

  33. We have sell some products of different custom boxes.it is very useful and very low price please visits this site thanks and please share this post with your friends. Heng855

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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