Posted on 31,687 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?

31,687 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants”

  1. 88new The Gacor Great Rhino Megaways Game has antique and unique topics such as the most enchanting animals or Safari,

    Reply

  7. After study a handful of the web sites on your own site now, and i really much like your strategy for blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website list and will also be checking back soon. Pls have a look at my web page likewise and let me know what you consider. acim

    Reply

  12. Immigration Lawyers… […]the time to read or visit the content or sites we have linked to below the[…]… slot gacor

    Reply

  13. my baby enjoys playing on the baby swing, baby swings can really make your baby happy, acim

    Reply

  14. I do know this isn’t precisely on subject, however i’ve a site using the identical program as properly and i get troubles with my feedback displaying. is there a setting i am missing? it’s doable chances are you’ll assist me out? thanx. win77 daftar

    Reply

  15. Fine Posting, We’re an important believer around writing commentary for web pages so that you can allow the site freelancers realise that they’ve increased a little something valuable so that you can the ether! https://temanligaklik.info

    Reply

  19. Effortlessly these pages will likely irrefutably probably become well-known concerning several sites people, to be able to the thorough content or even thoughts. slot gacor hari ini

    Reply

  20. Wedding Venues in Chattarpur and MG Road. List of Farmhouses in Chattarpur, Banquet Halls, Hotels for Party pldestinationaces in Chattarpur and MG Road Ever thought of enjoying a multi-theme Wedding Function while being at just one destination? If no then you must not have visited Chattarpur & MG Road Farmhouses.

    Reply

  26. A decent blog dependably concocts new and energizing data and keeping in mind that understanding I have feel that this blog is truly have each one of those quality that qualify a blog to be a one.

    Reply

  27. Appreciation for your insight for your astounding posting. I’m thrilled I have found a time to see this. It isn’t adequate; I will visit your site reliably. https://maviagira.com/

    Reply

  28. Tourist attractions in East Java offer complete nature, from calming mountains to refreshing oceans. You can visit these tourist locations easily because there are various instructions for reaching these destinations. for further information visit the website http://jatimland.id/

    Reply

  29. 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. 電子煙煙油

    Reply

  30. Online lottery games are games that are easily accessible, games involving numbers are played by many people. With easy transactions that provide convenience for the players. This game has a different excitement from other games which is very unique. Don’t miss it. For more complete information, visit the website togel bookie link
    . And thanks to you who wrote this great article, really enjoyed it, maybe I will come back to see new posts.

    Reply

  33. Even though my spouse and i bought on the world wide web firewood on the other hand introducing recognition just a little effect submits. Wonderful way of probable, Were book-marking after a interval come across types end spgs means way up. stanza immersiva sensoriale

    Reply

  34. Much appreciated such a great amount for this data. I need to tell you I agree on a few of the focuses you make here and others might require some further survey, however I can see your perspective. Maya

    Reply

  35. OLXTOTO adalah situs toto togel resmi dan bandar togel online terpercaya yang menyediakan berbagai jenis permainan togel seperti 4D 3D dan 2D. togel online

    Reply

  36. Agenolx adalah situs toto online dan slot gacor yang memiliki berbagai permainan yang paling unggul di bandingkan situs-situs lainnya. agenolx slot

    Reply

  38. Sisil4d merupakan situs yang sangat banyak di minati oleh masyarakat khususnya di indonesia dengan berbagai game yang menarik dan juga gampang maxwin. sisil4d

    Reply

  42. Welcome to the world of online lottery which is full of excitement! bustogel188 is the official and trusted toto lottery site in In siadonesia.
    BusTogel88

    Reply

  43. We are here to meet your needs in seeking luck. With advanced features, attractive bonuses and 24/7 service, vincislot88 is ready to help you win big.
    VinciSlot88

    Reply

  44. Join thousands of other lottery players on bimabet88 . We offer the convenience of betting on 4D lottery, toto lottery and other online lottery games.
    BimaBet88

    Reply

  45. Judi Slot Online tidak bisa dipungkiri merupakan salah satu permainan judi online paling disukai oleh pemain di seluruh dunia. Jangan sampai salah pilih situs judi slot untuk bermain. Bermainlah di situs yang memberikan Anda jaminan menang jackpot maxwin di game slot bet murah

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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