Posted on 38,857 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?

38,857 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants”

  1. Checking your SASSA status is crucial for staying updated on your grant application in South Africa. Visit SGSC to easily track your SASSA grants and ensure you’re receiving the support you need.

    Reply

  2. Capcut apk is the best application for Instagram and TikTok. Still, make stunning videos, and you can enjoy more options for video editing tools. You can try Capcut MOD APP for professional editing tools, effects and filters, and high-resolution support. CapCut Pro APK is perfect for you who need to gain advanced editing video knowledge.
    https://capcutapkdl.com/

    Reply

  3. If you’re interested in having a guest blog poster please reply and let me know. I will provide unique content for your webstie, thanks. agen toto play

    Reply

  4. It’s a good shame you don’t contain a give money button! I’d definitely give money for this fantastic webpage! That i suppose for the time being i’ll be satisfied bookmarking together with including an individual’s Feed that will my best Msn balance. That i appearance forward that will recent messages and definitely will share the web site utilizing my best Facebook or twitter team: ) a course in miracles podcast

    Reply

  7. TOTO12 adalah pilihan populer untuk penggemar togel online di Indonesia dan Asia Para pemain suka dengan layanan untuk Togel Toto Macau 4D. toto12

    Reply

  12. Jangan sampai togel online hari ini mengganggu aktivitas sehari-hari Anda atau menimbulkan masalah keuangan Gangsing777

    Reply

  18. OLXTOTO adalah platform situs toto online resmi yang menyediakan hadiah menarik dan jackpot toto besar setiap harinya. toto togel 4d

    Reply

  19. I am only commenting to let you know of the remarkable experience our girl encountered reading the blog. She noticed many pieces, which included how it is like to possess an amazing giving nature to get certain people really easily learn certain multifaceted things. You undoubtedly exceeded visitors’ desires. I appreciate you for rendering the important, healthy, informative as well as easy tips about the topic to Kate. acim facebook

    Reply

  20. I was looking through some of your blog posts on this website and I conceive this site is very informative! Keep putting up. agentotoplay

    Reply

  21. GEMOY88 Merupakan Rekomendasi Sebagai Situs Slot Gacor Yang Menyediakan Ribuan Permainan Slot Gacor Paling Gampang Menang Maxwin

    Reply

  22. Hey there, I think your blog might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your blog in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, awesome blog! agen toto play

    Reply

  23. I am typically to blogging and i actually recognize your content. The article has actually peaks my interest. I am going to bookmark your web site and maintain checking for brand new information. david acim

    Reply

  27. MAMISLOT Ialah situs slot yang memberikan proteksi keamanan akun dan bonus yang besar, situs ini juga pilihan ideal bagi para pemain yang mencari keamanan dan kesempatan besar untuk menang.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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