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?

46,357 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants

    1. Finding Best Physiotherapy Clinic in Brampton, On (905) 846-4000. So New Hope Physiotherapy Brampton offers Expert physiotherapist and massage therapy with reasonable prices. Book Appointment Today!

      Reply

  1. Most girls in Karachi are housewives and cannot afford a car. Karachi Call Girls Service providers can arrange for them to pick up at the airport or provide cars from their companies.
    Hot Call Girls Karachi

    Reply

  2. The session with the beautiful and sensual escorts in Karachi is free of filtration. Sensual programs don’t require filtration. You will feel cherished and appreciated by your beautiful babe in moments of love and appreciation.
    Karachi Escorts Girls

    Reply

  3. Excellent web site! Does one’ve any Thoughts and hints for aspiring writers? Considering the fact that I’m heading to start out my Web-site quickly, but I’m a tad lose on Practically every thing. Several lots of many thanks!

    Reply

  4. Your writing is perfect and complete. baccarat online However, I think it will be more wonderful if your post includes additional topics that I am thinking of. I have a lot of posts on my site similar to your topic. Would you like to visit once?

    Reply

  5. Do you feel irritated on the games that you are playing now? Consider playing this game, fachai9 fishing since it is simple to win and filled with surprises and rewards.

    Reply

  6. ufabet เข้าสู่ระบบ ufabetstar365 เว็บพนันบอลออนไลน์ ยูฟ่า – UFA อันดับ1 ไม่มีขั้นต่ำ ฝากถอนออโต้รวดเร็ว เล่นได้ทุกค่าย แทงบอล บาคาร่า สล็อต เกมยิงปลา บาคาร่าสายฟ้า สล็อตพีจี เว็บตรงสมัครสมาชิกฟรี คาสิโนออนไลน์ Ufabet บาคาร่า รูเล็ต เสือมังกร ยูฟ่าเบทสตาร์365

    Reply

  7. 게임을 하고 상당한 보상을 받는 데 관심이 있으십니까? 최고 바카라여기에서 재생됩니다.
    게임을 하면 추가 보상을 얻을 수 있습니다. 다양한 게임을 즐기며 즐거운 시간을 보낼 수 있습니다.

    Reply

  8. Wow, what is this? After seeing this post, it made me think a lot for a minute I think a lot of people should read these comments 토토커뮤니티 but it’s a waste for me to see them

    Reply

  9. Collagen is a protein that accounts for 70% of the skin structure on the human body and is also the secret to helping women prevent aging and preserve youth. If you are interested in anti-aging, don’t miss the genuine collagen products at Chiaki ✓ Good price ✓ 150% Cashback. If counterfeit goods are found ✓ Return the product within 5 days. Coming to Chiaki, you will be spoiled for choice to shop with all kinds of collagen in water, tablets, and powders that are good for both Men and Women.
    Chi tiết xem tại: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-jRX4UlS0GRFKExIxlSoySIjBlu5L73e?usp=sharing
    #chiaki #collagen #chiakivn #vienuongcollagen #muacollagen

    Reply

  10. Collagen is a protein that accounts for 70% of the skin structure on the human body and is also the secret to helping women prevent aging and preserve youth. If you are interested in anti-aging, don’t miss the genuine collagen products at Chiaki ✓ Good price ✓ 150% Cashback. If counterfeit goods are found ✓ Return the product within 5 days. Coming to Chiaki, you will be spoiled for choice to shop with all kinds of collagen in water, tablets, and powders that are good for both Men and Women.
    See details at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-jRX4UlS0GRFKExIxlSoySIjBlu5L73e?usp=sharing
    #chiaki #collagen #chiakivn #vienuongcollagen #muacollagen

    Reply

  11. 돈을 쓰지 않고 게임을 찾고 계십니까? 우리의 플레이 바카라 무료 내기. 이것은 웹에서 무료로 바카라를 플레이할 수 있는 최고의 장소입니다.

    Reply

  12. I hope your article will be helpful to everyone. “오피뷰”
    I would appreciate the time you invested in this article. I will support you for the next article. 🙂

    Reply

  13. Couples Shirts – 500+ Couples T-Shirts for men, women, boys and girls at StirTshirt. Couples Shirt from StirTshirt ✓ Unique designs ✓ Large assortment ✓ Easy 30 day return policy ✓ Shop Couple Shirts now! Shop high-quality unique Couples Shirts designed and sold by independent artists. Available in a range of colours and styles for men, women.
    Website: https://stirtshirt.com/collections/couples-shirts/

    Address: 2974 Mansion Ave, Claymont, DE 19703, United States
    Phone: 1(856)942-8527
    #valentinesday, #valentinedayshirt, #stirtshirt, #t-shirt, #couples, #couplesshirts

    Reply

  14. Regardless of whether they think you made the proper decision, everyone should be aware that students have been using online assignment help for many years with excellent results. Students demand the best work possible without having to spend a lot on projects. Expert writers are taking care of the student’s needs. Assignment writing services are the most reasonably priced while also offering the greatest quality. When you use the Make My Assignments source for assignment help UK, they respond with special offers and incentives to help you get the most for your money. You may rely on the team’s expertise.

    Reply

  15. Yes i am totally agreed with this article and i just want say that this article is very nice and very informative article.I will make sure to be reading your blog more. You made a good point but I can’t help but wonder, what about the other side? !!!!!!THANKS!!!!!! best spiritual movie

    Reply

  16. Hi there, You’ve done a fantastic job. I will
    definitely digg it and personally suggest to my friends.
    I’m confident they’ll be benefited from this web site.비아그라

    Reply

  17. The service providers also appoint team of professionals, having deep and in-depth knowledge regarding the respective service. The team is also provided with regular tips and techniques that make them competent to analyze the requirement of the customers and accordingly provide solution for the same. packers and movers asansol

    Reply

  18. There are additionally international or overseas shifting services which specialise in helping you discover a new home. These international or abroad shifting services may help you deal with anything from finding the proper spot to stay in to helping you get adjusted to your new home. They offer counseling on tradition shock and provide to coach you almost about the various issues you need to expect when moving to a different country. mumbai to bangalore transport service

    Reply

  19. Do you need a very nice game like baccarat? I recommend fachai9 philippines to you since it’s a great game that may earn you a lot of rewards as you play. So what are you waiting for? Sign up right away!

    Reply

  20. Awesome and interesting article. Great things you’ve always shared with us. Thanks. Just continue composing this kind of post.

    Myhdfs App

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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