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?
30,125 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants”
Wow what a Great Information about World Day its very nice informative post. thanks for the post. buy wow sod gold
sheikhqueen682
ALPHASLOT88 adalah Salah Satu Bandar Slot Online Yang Sudah Di Percaya Di Indonesia
ALPHASLOT88
ALPHASLOT88 adalah Salah Satu Bandar Slot OnlineYang Sudah Di Percaya Di Indonesia
ALPHASLOT88
thanks this is good blog. buy wow sod gold
sheikhqueen682
خرید ووچر پرفکت مانی بدون احراز هویت، کارمزد و ثبت نام، تسویه آنی و پشتیبانی دائمی سیف اکسچنج 24 با پاسخگویی 24 ساعته هفت روز هفته
خرید ووچر پرفکت مانی بدون احراز هویت
peter
sortoto just need your five minutes for claims so many free coins right here everyday.
Keshi2305
i like the songs of Kid Cudi because they are a bit emotional and kinda hip. imagecompressors.com
Ayan45
Impress players with a large selection of games, great bonuses, and the best security, ensuring an extraordinary and safe online gaming experience. For more information, please visit the website https://musosites.co
rahasia jackpot togel online
فروش آنتی ویروس های مطرح دنیا ✔️ | خرید لایسنس نود 32 – خرید لایسنس Eset ✔️ | تحویل آنی -پشتیبانی 7/24 گارانتی بازگشت وجه – خرید نود 32 – آخرین ورژن
خرید لایسنس نود 32
peter
I can barely keep down to dig significant and the initial shot utilizing resources that I got from you. Your excess is empowering. https://brixmediaco.com/
Hibbah
I simply must tell you that you have written an excellent and unique article that I really enjoyed reading. I’m fascinated by how well you laid out your material and presented your views. Thank you. dewatogel
Frank
I recently stumbled upon your blog, and I must say, I like your content. The way you articulate your thoughts and the depth of your analysis on various topics is truly impressive. Your writing style is engaging, and it’s evident that you put a lot of thought into each post. Keep up the great work; ggwinner I’ll definitely be a regular reader from now on.
trusted online gaming
It’s similarly a fantastic write-up i usually certainly appreciated analyzing. 슬롯사이트 순위
annaliesemontemayor62
Thanks so much for this information. I have to let you know I concur on several of the points you make here and others may require some further review, but I can see your viewpoint. bola88
casper
I recently stumbled upon your blog, and I must say, I like your content. The way you articulate your thoughts and the depth of your analysis on various topics is truly impressive. Your writing style is engaging, and it’s evident that you put a lot of thought into each post. Keep up the great work; ggwinner I’ll definitely be a regular reader from now on.
trusted online gaming
This is often just as a fantastic articles my partner and i really actually enjoyed examining. This is simply not on a regular basis that i have got prospective to work through a concern. Inat TV Indir
mobile application development charlotte
Thanks for sharing this useful article. 바카라사이트 추천
mercadejasuriel28
台中大巴中巴遊覽車出租價格,車款小巴9人、中巴19人、中巴小可愛21人、25人大中巴、33人大巴、43人遊覽車包車接送、小巴中巴大巴遊覽車包車一萬元起、租遊覽車巴士找中港國際租車公司價格便宜費用實惠、優質的司機與車輛 台中遊覽車價格
avqf qfqfq
Your website deserves all of the positive feedback it’s been getting. 프라그마틱 슬롯 사이트
annaliesemontemayor62
ALPHASLOT88 adalah Salah Satu Bandar Slot Online Terpercaya Yang Sudah Di Di Indonesia
ALPHASLOT88
花蓮中古車推薦-花蓮便宜二手車哪裡買/找花蓮二手車推薦行易國際中古車,行易國際花蓮二手車行位於花蓮火車站東出口左前方100公尺,花蓮火車站步行3分鐘即可到店,買花蓮中古車好去處,花蓮自售車/花蓮toyota中古車買賣,花蓮二手車買賣推薦【行易國際中古車】值得信任的花蓮中古車行。 花蓮中古車
avqf qfqfq
ALPHASLOT88 adalah Salah Satu Bandar Slot Online Terpercaya Yang Sudah Di Indonesia
ALPHASLOT88
花蓮民宿推薦-花蓮市民宿 蘋果樹花蓮民宿,全新開幕,為合法花蓮民宿,位於交通便利的花蓮火車站前站出口300公尺及花蓮市區附近。民宿房間舒適、溫馨、安全,是您到花蓮住宿最佳的選擇!歡迎來到花蓮享受慢活旅遊!本民宿住宿附送早餐,每間房均有免費wifi,免費停車場,免費旅遊行程規劃、優待門票販售及租車服務。 花蓮民宿
avqf qfqfq
I recently stumbled upon your blog, and I must say, I like your content. The way you articulate your thoughts and the depth of your analysis on various topics is truly impressive. Your writing style is engaging, and it’s evident that you put a lot of thought into each post. Keep up the great work; ggwinner I’ll definitely be a regular reader from now on.
trusted online gaming
RORATOTO adalah link alternatif situs game online mobile yang sudah terpercaya menyediakan akses termudah dalam bermain game online mobile dengan kualitas terbaik dan pilihan game terbaik. roratoto
fencourt9334
what is coaching?
https://arabon.co/%DA%A9%D9%88%DA%86%DB%8C%D9%86%DA%AF/
arabon arabon
امید محمدی فرجام
https://virgool.io/@m_97092224
arabon arabon
امید محمدی فرجام
https://virgool.io/@m_97092224
رذلقثرقثسب
Thank you very much for this useful article. I like it. mp3juice
sheikhqueen682
I am interested in looking for more of such topics and would like to have further information. Hope to see the next blog soon. pulizie condomini bergamo
pale rmo
sortoto visit and claim your free coins.
Keshi2305
thanks this is good blog. mp3juice
sheikhqueen682
When a blind man bears the standard pity those who follow…. Where ignorance is bliss ‘tis folly to be wise….
weeklyfanz
When a blind man bears the standard pity those who follow…. Where ignorance is bliss ‘tis folly to be wise…. weeklyfanz
weeklyfanz
sortoto so many free credits right here.
Keshi2305
The demand for assignment writers has surged in recent years, as students seek to excel academically while managing busy schedules. An assignment writer can help you produce high-quality papers that meet your professor’s expectations. They bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, ensuring that your assignments are thoroughly researched and well-written. If you’re considering hiring an Assignment writer, look for someone with a strong academic background and positive client feedback. A professional assignment writer can be a crucial asset in achieving your educational objectives.
Assignmentwriter