Posted on 46,504 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?

46,504 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants”

  8. A debt of gratitude is in order for each other instructive site. The spot else might just I get that sort of data written in such a perfect means? I have an endeavor that I’m quite recently working on, and I have been watchful for such data. satta matka

    Reply

  9. I sincerely appreciate your article’s thorough research and excellent writing. It piqued my interest so intensely that I felt compelled to keep reading. Your knowledge and ability are evident. Thank you very much for sharing your insights. By the way, look into SEO Services.

    Reply

  11. Your article has enriched my understanding of [topic] in ways I never thought possible. bacarat

    Reply

  13. Hey, just looking around some blogs, seems a pretty nice platform you are using and the theme as well. I’m currently using WordPress for a few of my sites but looking to change one of them over to a platform similar to yours as a trial run. Anything in particular you would recommend about it? Have a nice Tuesday! Link ROYAL123

    Reply

  14. Hello. Very nice web site!! Man .. Excellent .. Superb .. I will bookmark your site and take the feeds also…I am satisfied to locate so much useful information here in the post. Thanks for sharing. the growth matrix reviews

    Reply

  15. Are you clairvoyant? You have to be since your blogging so completely fits all the questions I have for this topic. I only entered a couple of words in the google search and I am quite grateful that your piece popped up. growth matrix

    Reply

  18. We’re a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your web site offered us with valuable info to work on. You’ve done an impressive job and our whole community will be thankful to you. sms

    Reply

  19. Incredible! This blog looks exactly like my old one! It’s on a entirely different subject but it has pretty much the same page layout and design. Wonderful choice of colors! buy vyvanse

    Reply

  20. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many immigrant girls in Italy could no longer even work as escorts. I know this because many acquaintances have confirmed it to me. For example, a Tuscany escort was not even allowed to leave the house during the division of the country into colored zones. If one was in the red zone, it was strictly forbidden to leave the vicinity of their home.

    Reply

  21. My husband and i got now thrilled Edward managed to finish off his researching while using the ideas he gained out of the web site. It’s not at all simplistic to just continually be giving out ideas which usually some people have been selling. jungle boys strains

    Reply

  23. I think your site has one of the cleanest theme I’ve came across. It really helps make reading your blog a lot easier. slot zeus

    Reply

  26. The download speed on 1Filmy4Wep is fantastic. I never have to wait long to watch my favorite movies. Read More: 1filmy4wep

    Reply

  32. Great site. A lot of helpful info here. I¡¯m sending it to some pals ans additionally sharing in delicious. And obviously, thank you on your sweat! https://www.w3free.com

    Reply

  39. This article on A Tech Word offers insightful analysis and comprehensive reviews of the latest gadgets and software. The detailed guides and expert opinions make it essential reading for tech enthusiasts. Highly recommended for staying updated. Sarkari Result

    Reply

  50. Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. If possible, as you gain expertise, would you mind updating your blog with extra information? It is extremely helpful for me. Wikipedia

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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