Posted on 28,111 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?

28,111 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants”

  6. bosan di rumah aja , tidak ada kegiatan cobain deh bermain di sobat777 situs yang terpercaya dan memiliki kemanangan yang akan kamu dapat kan

    https://huffycow.com/

    Reply

  8. This is a great post. I like this topic.This site has lots of advantage.I found many interesting things from this site. It helps me in many ways.Thanks for posting this again. OK Win

    Reply

  11. 체중 감량에 성공하려면 외모 이상에 집중해야합니다. 기분, 전반적인 건강 및 정신 건강을 활용하는 접근 방식이 가장 효율적입니다. 두 가지 체중 감량 여정이 똑같지 않기 때문에 대대적 인 체중 감량을 달성 한 많은 여성에게 정확히 어떻게했는지 물었습니다.
    토토검증

    Reply

  12. The Tugboat Vape 4500 is a high-performance disposable vape device designed for vapers seeking convenience and satisfaction. This sleek and compact device offers an impressive 4500 puffs, making it perfect for extended use without the need for recharging or refilling. Here’s a detailed look at what makes the Tugboat Vape 4500 stand out:https://vpdubaiking.ae/product/tugboat-evo-4500-puffs/

    Reply

  21. This is a good post. This post genuinely gives phenomenal data. I will check it out. There are genuinely useful clues here.

    Cable Recycling

    Reply

  23. COLOKSGP merupakan platform daring yang menyediakan daftar bandar toto macau terpercaya dengan taruhan minimal hanya 100 perak. daftar coloksgp

    Reply

  27. This analysis – video review – will cover everything that other reviews do noter cover about Potent Stream and address everything you need to know about this PotentStream, a revolutionary cutting-edge dietary supplement, has been gaining popularity for its ability to support prostate health and enhance overall wellness. PotentStream

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.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