Posted on 46,444 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?

46,444 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants”

  2. Pretty nice post, thanks for the awesome posting. I’m having troubles subscribing to your blogs feed. Thought I’d let you know Tote Charms

    Reply

  15. Bermain Togel online tidak hanya mengandalkan keberuntungan semata. Ada beberapa strategi dan tips yang dapat meningkatkan peluang Anda untuk menang TotoSlot88

    Reply

  16. Analisis Data: Pelajari pola keluaran angka sebelumnya untuk mencari tahu angka-angka yang sering muncul atau jarang muncul. Rp777

    Reply

  17. Kelola Modal dengan Bijak: Tentukan batas maksimal taruhan Anda dan jangan terbawa emosi saat bermain. Day777

    Reply

  18. 오랫동안 나와 내 친구는 유익한 블로그를 찾고 있었지만 지금은 올바른 위치에 있습니다. 당신은 내 마음에 방을 만들었습니다! 카지노사이트

    Reply

  21. Hello there, I discovered your site by way of Google whilst searching for a related topic, your website came up, it seems to be good. I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks. acim teacher

    Reply

  23. 완전히 흥미로운 블로그 게시입니다. 저는 종종 Diwali Bumper Lottery에 대한 내 프로젝트의 도움을 위해 귀하의 게시물을 방문하고 귀하의 슈퍼 쓰기 기능은 진정으로 당황스러워했습니다.이 게시에 대해 많이 감사합니다. 메이저토토

    Reply

  24. I need saying thanks to you because of this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little it smile Concerning you bookmarked to see new items post. acim teachers

    Reply

  25. เปิดประสบการณ์ใหม่กับ Luna999: เกมเดิมพันที่ดีที่สุด

    สัมผัสความสนุกและตื่นเต้นกับ Luna999 ที่ให้คุณได้มากกว่าความบันเทิง ด้วยเกมคาสิโนที่หลากหลายและโบนัสมากมายที่รอคุณอยู่ สมัครง่าย เล่นง่าย ได้เงินจริง ไม่ว่าคุณจะเป็นมือใหม่หรือเซียนเกม Luna999 ยินดีต้อนรับทุกคน มาร่วมสนุกและลุ้นรางวัลใหญ่ได้แล้ววันนี้! luna999

    Reply

  27. This site has supported me a lot to gain awareness in every way about my recent task! Now I have the best idea to how to deal problems! Thanks to them! alexistogel

    Reply

  29. สัมผัสประสบการณ์เล่นเกมออนไลน์ที่ดีที่สุดกับเว็บตรง ไม่ผ่านเอเย่นต์ ปลอดภัย มั่นคง จ่ายจริงทุกยอด! สมัครง่าย เล่นได้ทุกที่ทุกเวลา พร้อมโปรโมชั่นพิเศษและโบนัสมากมายที่จะทำให้คุณตื่นเต้นทุกครั้งที่เข้ามาเล่นกับเรา! เว็บตรง

    Reply

  30. Thank you because you have been willing to share information with us. we will always appreciate all you have done here because I know you are very concerned with our. situs togel

    Reply

  31. This is an amazing blog; I was trying to figure out how to keep in contact with your blog until I find out a decent iphone app for reading wordpress blogs. I really wish you to have a good day and keep with the good work! a course in miracles teachers

    Reply

  32. Possessing read this I thought it had been quite beneficial. I value you taking time and work to put this article together. I when once again locate myself paying method to significantly time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was nonetheless worth it! a course in miracles teachers

    Reply

  33. Hi there, You have performed a great job. I will certainly digg it and in my opinion recommend to my friends. I am confident they will be benefited from this site. best acim podcast

    Reply

  34. You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be really something which I think I would never understand. It seems too complicated and very broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it! best a course in miracles podcast

    Reply

  37. 4PL Mexico. Transporte, logística, cadena de suministro y almacenamiento. Coacalco, Estado de México 15 seguidores. Especialistas en ultima milla. 4pl-mexico

    Reply

  40. I really like what you guys are up too. This sort of clever work and coverage! Keep up the very good works guys I’ve included you guys to my own blogroll. acim podcast

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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