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?

43,723 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants

  1. القطن المصري يُعرف بلقب “الذهب الأبيض” نظرًا لقيمته الاقتصادية العالية وجودته الفائقة. يُعد من أفضل أنواع القطن في العالم، حيث يتميز بطول التيلة ونعومة الخيوط، مما يجعله مثاليًا لإنتاج الأقمشة الفاخرة والمريحة. يستخدم القطن المصري في صناعة أفخم أنواع الملابس، التي تتميز بقدرتها على التهوية وامتصاص الرطوبة، مما يجعلها مناسبة للاستخدام في فصول الصيف والربيع.

    Reply

  2. Hi there, I found your website via Google while searching for a related topic, your website came up, it looks great. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks. skull rings

    Reply

  3. kitchen furnitures need to be well maintained that is why we always coat them with clear coat varnishes to protect them from the elements* tiktokslot88

    Reply

  4. This is a smart blog. I mean it. You have so much knowledge about this issue, and so much passion. You also know how to make people rally behind it, obviously from the responses. fufu4d

    Reply

  5. Thanks for a wonderful share. Your article has proved your hard work and experience you have got in this field. Brilliant .i love it reading. fufu4d

    Reply

  6. I found your this post while searching for some related information on blog search…Its a good post..keep posting and update the information. fufu4d

    Reply

  7. Thanks for sharing the post.. parents are worlds best person in each lives of individual..they need or must succeed to sustain needs of the family. fufu4d

    Reply

  8. สล็อตเว็บตรง เดิมพันเกมสล็อตชั้นนำทั่วโลกไม่ผ่านเอเย่นต์ไม่มีขั้นต่ำ แตกหนักจ่ายจริง 100% รองรับทรูวอเลท เว็บสล็อตลิขสิทธิ์แท้ต่างประเทศ สล็อตเว็บตรง

    Reply

  9. Thank you for your wonderful blog, I really like it! Kindly visit my review expert and you can make real money. 24k bet

    Reply

  10. I just found this blog and have high hopes for it to continue. Keep up the great work, its hard to find good ones. I have added to my favorites. Thank You. situs slot online

    Reply

  11. I recently discovered Corteiz and I’m in love with their collection. The blend of contemporary and classic styles is just perfect for any occasion.

    Reply

  12. Great job for publishing such a beneficial web site. Your web log isn’t only useful but it is additionally really creative too. There tend to be not many people who can certainly write not so simple posts that artistically. Continue the nice writing situs slot online

    Reply

  13. Thanks for sharing this information. I really like your blog post very much. You have really shared a informative and interesting blog post with people.. slot online

    Reply

  14. This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing blog that understand the value. Im glad to have found this post as its such an interesting one! I am always on the lookout for quality posts and articles so i suppose im lucky to have found this! I hope you will be adding more in the future… situs slot online

    Reply

  15. Download the spinyoo app for an exceptional online casinoexperience, featuring a wide range of games and exclusive rewards.

    Reply

  16. This is really interesting, You’re a truly highly trained author. I have joined with your feed and additionally look ahead to witnessing your personal incredibly good write-ups. Moreover, I’ve got shared your webpage of our own internet sites. bola88 link

    Reply

  17. I definitely enjoying every little bit of this blog. It is a great website and nice share. I want to thank you. Good job! You guys do a great blog, and have some great contents. Keep up the good work npb라인업

    Reply

  18. Truly, this article is really one of the very best in the history of articles. I am a antique ’Article’ collector and I sometimes read some new articles if I find them interesting. And I found this one pretty fascinating and it should go into my collection. Very good work! as로마

    Reply

  19. Very good points you wrote here..Great stuff…I think you’ve made some truly interesting points.Keep up the good work. pl 중계

    Reply

  20. “Fantastic post on the Hidden Wiki! It’s clear how this directory serves as a crucial tool for accessing hidden services on the Tor network. The diversity of links, from secure email providers to forums and niche marketplaces, highlights its role in the deep web ecosystem. However, it’s essential to remain cautious about the legitimacy and safety of the resources listed, as the unregulated nature of the Hidden Wiki can sometimes lead to encountering harmful or illegal content. I’m particularly interested in how recent changes in internet privacy regulations might affect the Hidden Wiki’s operations or the types of services it lists. Looking forward to more insights on this topic!” hidden wiki

    Reply

  21. Someone Sometimes with visits your blog regularly and recommended it in my experience to read as well. The way of writing is excellent and also the content is top-notch. Thanks for that insight you provide the readers! หนังโป๊ฟรี

    Reply

  22. This blog is very good because the content is very helpful for beginners like me. Therefore, if you want to know more information, you can visit https://clixbitero.com/

    Reply

  23. Discover the latest in out-of-network reimbursement news, with insights on policy changes, reimbursement strategies, and insurance negotiations. Our updates are designed to help healthcare providers and patients manage out-of-network costs effectively and stay informed about evolving practices. reimbursement news

    Reply

  24. permainan judi togel yang populer
    Mereka juga menikmati pengalaman bermain yang menyenangkan

    Alexa88

    Reply

  25. permainan judi togel yang populer
    Mereka juga menikmati pengalaman bermain yang menyenangkan

    Reply

  26. permainan judi togel yang populer
    Mereka juga menikmati pengalaman bermain yang menyenangkan

    Reply

  27. Consequently how will you obtain the suitable jacksonville divorce attorney information? Where by is it possible to come across totally free points, programs, as well as approaches for creating wealth on the net? You might possibly shell out a large amount upon products out there online…or you may join our Money Ideas Number and today i want to promote this specific awesome tips to you absolutely cost-free. 浜松市 外壁工事

    Reply

  28. Wow what a Great Information about World Day its very nice informative post. thanks for the post. Arcade

    Reply

  29. Situs Slot Online sebagai situs judi slot online terbaik dan terpercaya di Indonesia selalu memberikan permainan yang adil dan memberikan kesempatan menang yang sama untuk semua pemain bahkan hingga maxwin.

    Reply

  30. Appreciating the persistence you put into your website and detailed information you offer. It’s good to come across a weblog every once in a while that isn’t the same old rehashed material. Great read! I have bookmarked your site and I am adding your RSS feeds to my Google account. Deneme Bonusu veren siteler

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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