Posted on 28,663 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?

28,663 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants”

  2. I admit, I have not been on this web page in a long time… however it was another joy to see It is such an important topic and ignored by so many, even professionals. I thank you to help making people more aware of possible issues. bandar toto macau

    Reply

  3. Superbly written article, if only all bloggers offered the same content as you, the internet would be a far better place.. toto macau

    Reply

  4. This is very educational content and written well for a change. It’s nice to see that some people still understand how to write a quality post! bandar toto macau

    Reply

  5. Wow! This can be one of the most helpful blogs we have ever come across on thesubject. Basically wonderful info! I am also an expert in this topic therefore I can understand your hard work. 링크모음

    Reply

  12. Experience the thrill of winning with fair spin app where exciting sports betting and a user-friendly interface make every game a chance to strike gold! Enjoy unparalleled entertainment and big wins with every bet.

    Reply

  14. Experience the thrill of winning with yeticasino login where exciting sports betting and a user-friendly interface make every game a chance to strike gold! Enjoy unparalleled entertainment and big wins with every bet.

    Reply

  15. wonderful points altogether, you simply gained a brand new reader. What would you recommend about your post that you made some days ago? Any positive? zoom555

    Reply

  17. Our clients can call up our hotties and enjoy a raucous good time in the privacy of their own flats or hotel rooms. We stand behind the quality of all of our Shastri Nagar Call Girls and promise that they will exceed your expectations.

    Reply

  18. RORA Provides Customizable Magnetic And Functional Chinese Kungfu Tea Set For All Types And Levels Of Tea Drinkers. Shop For The New Limited Edition Of Rora Glass Teapot And Buy On Tearora.Com glass teapot

    Reply

  19. Centro Medico Polispecialistico Odescalchi. Convenzionato con le principali assicurazioni e pensioni. Ambiente confortevole e riservato. Prenota centro medico Milano

    Reply

  20. Great work! This is the kind of information that should be shared across the web. Shame on search engines for not positioning this post higher! Come on over and consult with my site . Thank you =) mpo999 link alternatif

    Reply

  21. Really I enjoy your site with effective and useful information. It is included very nice post with a lot of our resources.thanks for share. i enjoy this post. matahari88

    Reply

  22. Thanks for another informative blog. The place else may I get that type of information written in such an ideal approach? I’ve a project that I’m simply now running on, and I’ve been on the look out for such info. mpo999 link alternatif

    Reply

  24. Hello there can I quotation some of the understanding found in this blog basically reference a person having a hyperlink back to your site? cuisine tunisie

    Reply

  25. I really loved reading your blog. It was very well authored and easy to undertand. Unlike additional blogs I have read which are really not tht good. I also found your posts very interesting. In fact after reading, I had to go show it to my friend and he ejoyed it as well! 대밤

    Reply

  27. I have bookmarked your blog, the articles are way better than other similar blogs.. thanks for a great blog! acim

    Reply

  29. เว็บตรง100: ความมั่นคงและปลอดภัยที่คุณวางใจได้
    เว็บตรง100 มอบประสบการณ์การเล่นเกมที่ไม่มีสะดุด ด้วยระบบที่มั่นคงและปลอดภัย คุณสามารถฝาก-ถอนได้ง่ายๆ ไม่ต้องผ่านเอเย่นต์ สะดวก รวดเร็ว และปลอดภัยทุกขั้นตอน ร่วมสนุกกับเราวันนี้และรับโปรโมชั่นพิเศษมากมาย เว็บตรง100 ที่เดียวที่คุณเชื่อถือได้! เว็บตรง100

    Reply

  31. When it comes to efficient and accurate quantity construction quantity takeoff services stands out as a leader in the industry. Specializing in providing comprehensive takeoff solutions, P2C Construction ensures that every project is meticulously detailed and quantified, allowing for precise budgeting and effective resource allocation.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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