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?

47,281 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants

  1. Where insightful articles and engaging discussions unite us! Connect with like-minded individuals, share your thoughts, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends and topics. Let’s grow and learn together!!
    icc cricket world cup 2024

    Reply

  2. Rasakan Sensasi Seru Bermain Slot PGSoft Server Luar Resmi dengan RTP Gacor yang Memberikan Peluang Kemenangan Tinggi agen slot

    Reply

  3. Gaming pc’s aren’t as difficult as you may perhaps think, and creating your very own gaming pc is not as tricky as a whole lot of folks would make you consider. Because you by now have a distinct software in head when constructing your individual gaming machine, there are actually only three main elements you have to have to worry about, and every little thing else is truly secondary: the processor, video clip card, and RAM. https://southernpacificreview.com

    Reply

  4. Thank you for creating such a welcoming and enlightening space. Your dedication and generosity in sharing knowledge set this community apart. The warmth and inclusivity here are undeniable, and it’s inspiring to see so many come together to help one another grow and thrive. – 24kbets

    Reply

  5. Thank you for creating such a welcoming and enlightening space. Your dedication and generosity in sharing knowledge set this community apart. The warmth and inclusivity here are undeniable, and it’s inspiring to see so many come together to help one another grow and thrive. – 24kbet bonus

    Reply

  6. Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read anything like this before. So nice to find somebody with some original thoughts on this subject. realy thank you for starting this up. this website is something that is needed on the web, someone with a little originality. useful job for bringing something new to the internet! Kongcuwin Oxplay Slot Online

    Reply

  7. Hello! I would wish to supply a large thumbs up for your excellent info you could have here about this post. I’ll be coming back to your blog site for further soon. https://lindapaulk.com

    Reply

  8. Hmm is anyone else having problems with the images on this blog loading? I’m trying to figure out if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog. Any responses would be greatly appreciated. Login Master333

    Reply

  9. his is the excellent blog page for anyone who wants to know about this theme. You recognize a lot its virtually difficult to argue with you (not that I really would want…HaHa). You absolutely put a fresh spin on a subject matter thats been published about for many years. Wonderful things, just excellent! Facebook

    Reply

  10. CAPTOGEL bettors wherever you are, this time we will tell you all about the online game sites that you can play in this online world. For those of you who are looking for a well-known online gaming site that will give you all the benefits of playing online, with games that make it easy to get the jackpot, of course you will find all the games on this online site. and if you want to try it you just need to click on our website https://pantangmundur88.org/

    Reply

  11. I loved as much as you’ll obtain performed right here. The caricature is attractive, your authored material stylish. however, you command get got an impatience over that you wish be turning in the following. ill surely come further formerly once more since precisely the similar nearly a lot frequently within case you protect this increase.
    https://www.mudaliandan.com

    Reply

  12. 우리카지노 계열의 단연 No.1 카지노 사이트 더킹플러스카지노를 여기 Thekingplus62773 에서 만나보세요. 공식 가입 안내와 신규 가입 보너스 및 이벤트 등 가장 빨리 만나볼 수 있습니다. 더킹플러스

    Reply

  13. เว็บไซต์ ดูบอลสด ดูบอลสด7m บ้านผลบอล ดูบอลสดวันนี้ ดูฟรี อัพเดทคู่บอลรวดเร็วกว่าที่อื่น มีให้ดูหลายคู่ ทั้ง ดูบอลออนไลน์ฟรี ได้แล้วที่นี้ … ทีเด็ดบอล วันนี้

    Reply

  14. UFABET ฝากถอน ด้วยระบบอัตโนมัติใน 15 วินาที แทงบอล ค่าน้ำ 4ตังค์ คอม 0.5% ดีที่สุดในเอเชีย เว็บตรงไม่ ผ่านเอเย่นต์ 100% แอดไลน์ @ufa88sv1 ufa88s vip

    Reply

  15. Weclose real estate lawyers help individuals, corporations, and financial institutions close residential real estate purchases, sales, and refinancing in Ontario, Canada. Weclose real estate lawyers strive to provide fair and predictable fixed-rate pricing for all Ontario residential real estate buy, sell, and refinance legal closing services. Get a secure and guaranteed quote you can rely on instantly. real estate lawyers

    Reply

  16. سيرفر بيع وزيادة المتابعين الاول والاكبر عربيا : شراء وزيادة متابعين انستقرام, شراء وزيادة متابعين تويتر, شراء وزيادة متابعين تيك توك, شراء وزيادة متابعين فيسبوك, شراء وزيادة متابعين سناب شات, شراء وزيادة لايكات فيسبوك, شراء وزيادة مشاهدات يوتيوب, شراء وزيادة ساعات يوتيوب شراء متابعين فيس بوك

    Reply

  17. Hmm it seems like your website ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I had written and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I too am an aspiring blog writer but I’m still new to the whole thing. Do you have any tips and hints for beginner blog writers? I’d really appreciate it. rtp live

    Reply

  18. การวิเคราะห์บอลเป็นกระบวนการที่สำคัญสำหรับผู้ที่สนใจและติดตามการแข่งขันฟุตบอลอย่างใกล้ชิด การวิเคราะห์บอลช่วยให้เราเข้าใจและทำนายผลการแข่งขันได้ดีขึ้น โดยอาศัยข้อมูลสถิติ ประวัติการแข่งขันที่ผ่านมา ฟอร์มของทีมและนักเตะ รวมถึงปัจจัยอื่นๆ เช่น สภาพอากาศ สถานที่แข่ง และสภาพจิตใจของทีม วิเคราะห์บอล7m

    Reply

  19. ดูบอลสดเป็นวิธีที่ดีที่สุดในการติดตามการแข่งขันฟุตบอลแบบเรียลไทม์ ไม่ว่าคุณจะอยู่ที่ไหนก็สามารถรับชมเกมโปรดของคุณได้ทันทีผ่านการถ่ายทอดสดออนไลน์ เพลิดเพลินไปกับการเชียร์ทีมที่คุณรัก พร้อมทั้งติดตามทุกช็อตสำคัญ การแข่งขันทุกแมตช์ ดูบอลสด

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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