Posted on 37,709 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?

37,709 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants”

  1. Voltasun ist ihr Berater wenn es um Photovoltaik Anlagen geht im Saarland. Eine Photovoltaikanlage mit Batteriespeicher sichert eine unabhängige Stromversorgung. Nicht nur das man seinen eigenen Strom produziert, sondern man spart damit auch noch sehr viel Geld über die Zeit. Während die Strompreise rapide klettern in Deutschland, man gewarnt wird vor Stromausfällen, kann einem das als Besitzer einer eigenen Photovoltaikanlage egal sein. Jetzt anrufen und sofort beraten lassen. Photovoltaik Saarland

    Reply

  2. Thank you a lot. One of the best posts I’ve read on the subject is this one. When I’m writing, I’ll make sure to refer to it.
    game deals UK for Your Loved One, as it says there.

    Reply

    1. If you are looking for a fun, fast-paced work environment, opportunities for growth, And a chance to make a difference, Then a career at Zaxby’s Careers might be the perfect fit for you. Visit My Post: Zaxby’s Careers

      Reply

  5. Мы ваш источник марихуаны и гашиша самого высокого качества. Мы предлагаем самый широкий выбор сортов сорняков в мире! Где купить героин

    Reply

  6. Добро пожаловать к нам! У нас есть широкий ассортимент наркотиков на любой вкус, включая экстази (МДМА), кокаин, амфетамины, марихуану. Вся наша продукция высочайшего качества, а также у нас есть новейшие дизайнерские препараты! Купить мефедрон

    Reply

  7. Добро пожаловать к нам! У нас есть широкий ассортимент наркотиков на любой вкус, включая экстази (МДМА), кокаин, амфетамины, марихуану. Вся наша продукция высочайшего качества, а также у нас есть новейшие дизайнерские препараты! Купить спайс мефедрон кокаин

    Reply

  8. Получить высокий. Покупайте марихуану, МДМА, кокаин и многое другое! У нас есть все, что вам нужно, чтобы получить кайф и избежать ваших проблем. Нужен грамм травы? Кокаин? Кристаллический мет? У нас есть это — и многое другое! купить амфетамин закладкой

    Reply

  9. Мы не ваш средний торговец наркотиками. Мы продаем лучшие препараты на рынке, по лучшим ценам и с самой быстрой доставкой. Вам нужен экстази? У нас есть экстази по самым низким ценам в бизнесе. Купить спайс скорость

    Reply

  11. Мы не ваш средний торговец наркотиками. Мы продаем лучшие препараты на рынке, по лучшим ценам и с самой быстрой доставкой. Вам нужен экстази? У нас есть экстази по самым низким ценам в бизнесе. Купить бошки закладка

    Reply

  36. It’s too bad to check your article late. I wonder what it would be if we met a little faster. I want to exchange a little more, but please visit my site casinosite and leave a message!!

    Reply

  37. A commitment of appreciation is all together for sharing, I found a tremendous store of stimulating information here. A striking post, incredibly grateful and obliging that you will make on a very major level more posts like this one. SubwayLiveIQ

    Reply

  38. Получить высокий. Покупайте марихуану, МДМА, кокаин и многое другое! У нас есть все, что вам нужно, чтобы получить кайф и избежать ваших проблем. Нужен грамм травы? Кокаин? Кристаллический мет? У нас есть это — и многое другое! Закладки ск купить

    Reply

  39. Мы не ваш средний торговец наркотиками. Мы продаем лучшие препараты на рынке, по лучшим ценам и с самой быстрой доставкой. Вам нужен экстази? У нас есть экстази по самым низким ценам в бизнесе. Купить амфетамин метадон

    Reply

  40. Добро пожаловать к нам! У нас есть широкий ассортимент наркотиков на любой вкус, включая экстази (МДМА), кокаин, амфетамины, марихуану. Вся наша продукция высочайшего качества, а также у нас есть новейшие дизайнерские препараты! Где купить спайс

    Reply

    1. The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office provides an inmate search feature on its website, allowing users to find information about individuals who have been arrested and are in custody.
      Visit My Post: INMATE SEARCH

      Reply

  49. I ‘d believethat manyofussitevisitorsaredefinitely fortunate to dwell in a perfect community with so many파워맨비아그라 lovely individuals with interesting pointers

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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