Posted on 51,778 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?

51,778 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants”

  6. Great job for publishing such a beneficial web site. Good to become visiting your weblog again, it has been months for me. Nicely this article that i’ve been waited for so long. I will need this post to total my assignment in the college, and it has exact same topic together with your write-up. Thanks, good share.
    สล็อตเว็บตรง เว็บพนันออนไลน์ เว็บพนันออนไลน์ superslot pg slot 460bet betflix ambbet
    superslotv9 สล็อต666 xlot1688 areaslot slotxd สล็อตวัวทอง pay69 ltobet swin joker123
    pg slot autoplay slot สล็อตโจ๊กเกอร์ slotxo แทงหวย24 PG SLOT AUTO

    Reply

  8. i will certainly come back again. This is an amazing blog and i have seen many of your articles on the net. But I have to say that you’ve outdone yourself this time! The article was definitely well-written, and it made my day. Thanks for sharing this great info with us !
    Aadhar Card Voter Id link Online

    Reply

  12. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here! keep up the good work… rabad ka land

    Reply

  13. naga pkr merupakan salah satu situs ( https://199.192.31.174 ) online terpercaya dan teraman dengan keberuntungan besar. Di situs ini, anda mendapatkan banyak kemudahan, mulai dari bantuan pendaftaran, deposit yang tidak terlalu besar, bonus berlimpah.

    Reply

  15. Pkr88 merupakan salah satu situs online terpercaya dan teraman dengan keberuntungan besar. Di situs ( https://162.0.236.6 ) ini, anda mendapatkan banyak kemudahan, mulai dari bantuan pendaftaran, deposit yang tidak terlalu besar, bonus berlimpah.

    Reply

  16. Whether you’re looking to find some seeds for medicinal purposes or you’re just looking to get a head start on your garden, you’ll want to make sure you have some of the best cannabis seeds strains available Best Cannabis strains 2022

    Reply

  21. The Mike Vapes Blaze RTA is a dual coil RTA that is a cut above the rest of its competition. With an easy airflow system and a great deck design, this RTA is an obvious winner. Here is a review of the Blaze RTA by Antony Lord from Planet Of The Vapes.

    Reply

  24. digital marketing agency that can help you achieve your marketing goals? If so, you’re in the right place! In this blog post, we’ll outline the many advantages of hiring a digital marketing agency.

    Reply

  27. Cultural attractions in the UAE can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re a fan of horse racing or want to explore beautiful landscapes, there is something for everyone on this list! Heritage Express

    Reply

  31. Very good information. Lucky me I recently found your website by accident I have book marked it for later! Please check out my blogs Bonanza88 thank you.

    Reply

  32. So much has happened about your amazing kind of information that I have been trying to find. Thank you for writing this information. 토토사이트

    Reply

  33. This is a very informative article. I’m glad I learned something new. I wish you many good articles in the future. I want to constantly learn your views.
    먹튀 보증 제이나인
    제이나인 꽁 머니 카지노
    모바일 카지노 제이나인
    제이나인 카지노 가입 쿠폰
    필리핀 카지노 제이나인
    https://www.j9korea.com/

    Reply

  36. Successfully well prepared details. It should be monetarily fulfilling to any individual who makes use of it, counting me. Sustain The great do The work. For sure I’ll Consider out far more posts working day in and time out. สล็อตออนไลน์

    Reply

  47. After reading this article, I think it’s a good article that has a lot of meaning, and it’s a great word that really makes your head and chest realize a lot of things먹튀커뮤니티

    Reply

  48. Silver Bengal Cats are wholly domestic because silver Bengals are utterly pet-comprehensible, associates-easy to use, highly adroit, and although these are less allergenic than auxiliary cats. Bengal cats are the best option for those who obtain an allergenic response.

    Silver Bengal cats are beautiful and attractive, therefore many cat lovers indulgent to talk to them and ask whether Charcoal Bengal Cat are domestic or not. The resolved is yes, Bengal cats are domestic special silver Bengal cats.

    Reply

  49. The gadgets that come to apply the provider with our camp additionally have Allone95 camp slot video games which might be continuously up to date for you. Games as a way to take you to discover the land and the tale of every sport create each a laugh and pleasure for All bettors are good. allone95

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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