Posted on 47,287 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?

47,287 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants”

  5. Oreo5d Menjadi salah satu website yang memiliki lisensi dan sertifikat resmi yang sudah di akui Internasional

    Reply

  9. Where insightful articles and engaging discussions bring us together! Connect with like-minded individuals, share your thoughts, and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and topics. Let’s grow and learn together!
    pakistan match today

    Reply

  10. We provide escort services all over the world. Our top-rated Lahore escort girls set a new standard for all. We are pleased to announce that our escort girls are the best compensated in Pakistan.
    Call Girl in Lahore

    Reply

  11. Hello. {Great|fantastic|splendid|impressive|magnificent|excellent|remarkable} job. I did not {expect|imagine|anticipate} this. This is a {great|fantastic|splendid|impressive|excellent|remarkable} story. Thanks!… You made certain fine points there. I did a search on the subject matter and found the majority of folks will have the same opinion with your blog…. iptv brampton canada

    Reply

  12. Your article has proven useful to me. It’s very informative and you are obviously very knowledgeable in this area. You have opened my eyes to varying views on this topic with interesting and solid content. https://viasample.com

    Reply

  15. Hmmm, I am not therefore ‘ consider every little thing the following, but you do offer a important information with this make a difference. I’ll instruct me personally plus revisit at a later date. 家庭教師 英会話

    Reply

  16. Good site! I really love how it is simple on my eyes and the data are well written. I am wondering how I might be notified whenever a new post has been made. I have subscribed to your RSS which must do the trick! Have a great day! https://www.cloudsmagazine.com

    Reply

  17. This is exactly for that reason fabulous and additionally extremely creative. I simply absolutely love all the different shades and additionally anyone can get the software on the deliver would be happy. Wede388

    Reply

  18. My mate and My hubby and i turned exclusively expressing a exceptionally dilemma, he’s got oftentimes endeavouring so that you could verify each person drastically wrong. Designs experience using this happens to be vivid while in the what normally tips I’m. I merely at this point web based sent my mate my website to indicate her the come across. 스포츠중계

    Reply

  19. Hello – I must say, I’m impressed with your site. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs and information was very easy to access. I found what I wanted in no time at all. Pretty awesome. Would appreciate it if you add forums or something, it would be a perfect way for your clients to interact. Great job https://www.cellcomputing.net

    Reply

  21. Kemang88 merupakan situs judi slot yang resmi & terpercaya, juga memberikan kemenangan kepada para pencinta game slot online. Sebagai situs resmi slot Kemang88 menyediakan juga beragam jenis permainan slot yang asli gacor dengan mencapai kemenangan 97%. kemang88

    Reply

  23. I think this is among the most vital info for me. And i am glad reading your article. But want to remark on some general things, The site style is great, the articles is really great : D. Good job, cheers https://www.workingmac.com

    Reply

  25. Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it. Look advanced to more added agreeable from you! However, how could we communicate? blog transportation

    Reply

  29. 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 download

    Reply

  30. We are a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community. Your website provided us with valuable information to work on. You have done an impressive job and our whole community will be grateful to you. ponti sollevatori auto

    Reply

  32. 체중 감량에 성공하려면 외모 이상에 집중해야합니다. 기분, 전반적인 건강 및 정신 건강을 활용하는 접근 방식이 가장 효율적입니다. 두 가지 체중 감량 여정이 똑같지 않기 때문에 대대적 인 체중 감량을 달성 한 많은 여성에게 정확히 어떻게했는지 물었습니다. 링크모음

    Reply

  36. Thanks a lot for being our mentor on this niche. I enjoyed your current article very much and most of all cherished how you really handled the aspect I considered to be controversial. You are always quite kind to readers much like me and let me in my everyday living. Thank you. moving company New York

    Reply

  49. นอกจากนี้ การวิเคราะห์บอลยังต้องพิจารณาปัจจัยเสริมอื่นๆ เช่น การบาดเจ็บของนักเตะ การแบน หรือสภาพอากาศที่อาจส่งผลต่อเกมการแข่งขัน การวิเคราะห์อย่างรอบคอบจะช่วยให้เราทำนายผลการแข่งขันได้แม่นยำยิ่งขึ้น ไม่ว่าจะเพื่อการเชียร์หรือการวางเดิมพัน การวิเคราะห์บอลที่ดีจะทำให้เราเพลิดเพลินกับการชมฟุตบอลและเพิ่มโอกาสในการประสบความสำเร็จในการทำนายผลได้มากขึ้น วิเคราะห์บอล zeanstep

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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