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?
27,786 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants”
Please visit our website for website development courses Live22 auto
nagavip168
Thank you for taking the time to put your views down on paper. MEGA888 AUTO
nagavip168
In our quest for connectivity and convenience, PG SLOT AUTO
nagavip168
the coding billing chores, PG SLOT AUTO WALLET
nagavip168
Hidnation organization is a chief worldwide provider pussyslot
nagavip168
accessible on all platforms and anytime เว็บสล็อต 168 ฝาก ถอน true wallet
nagavip168
HR, เว็บสล็อตวอเลท
nagavip168
that you come to invest in Baccarat Wallet, slotxo wallet
nagavip168
with a maximum of 16 players, สล็อต ฝาก-ถอน true wallet ไม่มี บัญชีธนาคาร
nagavip168
Enjoyed every single word of your blog article. Thanks to share it
123bet vip
123bet vip
This has been the most difficult subject I’ve had to สล็อตเว็บตรง
nagavip168
but cherished luxury of having a “do not disturb” sign PUSSY888 เว็บตรง
nagavip168
Just a quick search will reveal a wealth of great coupons 918KISS AUTO
nagavip168
marketing, สล็อตjili วอเลท
nagavip168
crafted FMWhatsApp to provide users with a distinctive ສລ໊ອດອອນລາຍ
nagavip168
that allow us moments of respite and control over our personal space. Betflix wallet
nagavip168
more at truly sensible costs. สล็อตฝากถอนวอเล็ท
nagavip168
in the game! As a cop JOKER SLOT
nagavip168
is a valuable tool in the design process. เว็บสล็อต xo ออ โต้
nagavip168
Furthermore, แลนด์ สล็อตออโต้
nagavip168
to make that special someone’s day extraordinary. สล็อตออนไลน์
nagavip168
APK is an android app that is not available on เว็บสล็อตออโต้
nagavip168
These businesses efficiently handle every stage of the billing, เว็บหวยออนไลน์ จ่ายจริง
nagavip168
This is a fantastic website I can not recommend you guys enough. JILI WALLET
nagavip168
I would recommend checking this out for สล็อตวอลเลท
nagavip168
jackpot maxwin yang gampang sekali untuk para pemain menangkan. MEGA888 ฝาก-ถอน ไม่มีขั้นต่ำ
nagavip168
is a valuable tool in the design process. 918kissauto
nagavip168
Thanks for this post, I am a big fan of this web site would like to proceed updated. BDG Win login
ahmedrazakhatri56
Alexistogel adalah salah satu situs toto macau terpercaya yang bisa anda mainkan hari ini, main dan rasakan kegacoranya sekarang juga alexistogel
peter
Your writing style is very fluid and easy to follow. I enjoyed every part of this article. Don’t forget to stop by the game site, don’t miss out. For more complete information, visit the website https://lab.stikesnurulhasanah-kutacane.ac.id/servers/?products=ksplay88
KSPLAY88
This post is very enlightening, it gives me a new perspective. BANG188
BANG188
qbet a wide range of exciting games and a user-friendly interface, offers endless entertainment
Bettingsite
Site that provides online slot games that have quite large winning numbers. This site is also safe from positive internet so there is no interference when playing. So many game choices with just 1 account. Don’t miss out. For more complete information, visit the website https://situsslot.akbidpantiwilasa.ac.id/big777/
BIG777
I frequently read succinct articles and reviews that clearly communicate their messages, and the piece I’m currently reading is no exception. – my11 circle apk download
Seo Philippines
definately enjoy every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff of your blog a must read blog! slotsvibes
sarim
Dissertation Help is essential for students tackling the complex process of academic writing. Having used this service myself, I can vouch for its tremendous benefits. Professional assistance helped me refine my research questions, organize my arguments, and improve the overall quality of my dissertation. This support not only reduced my stress but also ensured my work met high academic standards. For anyone feeling overwhelmed or stuck, seeking dissertation help is a smart move. It provides the expertise and confidence needed to navigate this challenging task and achieve academic success.
neil
There are a couple of interesting points soon enough in this post but I don’t know if I see these people center to heart. You can find some validity but I’ll take hold opinion until I consider it further. Good post , thanks and we want much more! Combined with FeedBurner also قرارداد کار معین
peter
Gucci Handbags Perusing this jogs my memory of my previous roommate. That guy was one of many smartest men I recognize, but he had been a little beatnik for my tastes though. Anyways I delighted in here, thanks. Can offer me something to argue about after i see him. gary peyton strain
peter
It might harden better to ro along with your managing postpartum despression symptoms without using paxil if you are strapped regarding it. لپ تاپ
peter
Yes, I am entirely agreed with this article, and I just want say that this article is very helpful and enlightening. I also have some precious piece of concerned info !!!!!!Thanks. James Dooley
HAMZA
very good post, i certainly really like this excellent website, keep on it قیمت افزودنی بتن
peter
An impressive share, I just now with all this onto a colleague who had been performing a little analysis for this. And that he in truth bought me breakfast since I discovered it for him.. smile. So ok, i’ll reword that: Thnx for the treat! شیراز چمن مصنوعی
peter
I frequently read succinct articles and reviews that clearly communicate their messages, and the piece I’m currently reading is no exception. – my11circle cricket
Seo Philippines
Your blog post was a pleasure to read. 카지노사이트
카지노사이트
Each one of these small factors are made by utilizing quantity of basis attention. 스포츠토토사이트
스포츠토토사이트
Oh my goodness! a fantastic write-up dude. Thank you Nevertheless My business is experiencing problem with ur rss . Don’t know why Can not subscribe to it. Will there be any person acquiring identical rss issue? Anybody who knows kindly respond. Thnkx ucman.ir
peter
It’s similarly a fantastic write-up i usually certainly appreciated analyzing. 카지노사이트 모음
카지노사이트 모음
I gotta most loved this site it appears to be exceptionally useful. 토토사이트 순위
토토사이트 순위
I was taking a gander at some of your posts on this site and I consider this site is truly informational! Keep setting up 오피아트
오피아트
Stunning! Such an astonishing and accommodating post this is. I super love it. It’s so great thus amazing. I am simply stunned. I trust that you keep on doing your work like this later on moreover. 오피아트
오피아트