Posted on 34,916 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?

34,916 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants”

  1. This is what piece appears to have a wide selection of targeted customers. Would you market it? It all offers a decent special distort for aspects. Maybe enjoying one bona fide or even higher to supply information on is the most essential subject. Sugar Defender

    Reply

  3. I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often. 토토사이트

    Reply

  5. The the next occasion I just read a weblog, I really hope who’s doesnt disappoint me as much as that one. Get real, It was my solution to read, but When i thought youd have something intriguing to mention. All I hear can be a couple of whining about something that you could fix in case you werent too busy seeking attention. Smart Hemp Gummies

    Reply

  6. You can only find entertainment games that can also be used as a place to make money in this game, By playing this amazing and very profitable online game, maybe you can visit the website https://nachomentary.com/

    Reply

  7. After i obtained on your blog although placing interest merely slightly little bit submits. Enjoyable technique for long term, I’ll be book-marking at any given time obtain types complete comes upward. https://loto1881.party/

    Reply

  8. Hey! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a team of volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us valuable information to work on. You have done a outstanding job! tha bet

    Reply

  9. Wow, cool post. I’d like to write like this too – taking time and real hard work to make a great article… but I put things off too much and never seem to get started. Thanks though. magic4karaoke.com/3no

    Reply

  10. BJ88 tự hào là một trong những nhà cái hàng đầu trong ngành cá cược trực tuyến, mang đến cho bạn một sân chơi đỉnh cao với các trò chơi , thể thao, và nhiều lựa chọn cá cược hấp dẫn. Tham gia ngay để trải nghiệm những phút giây gay cấn và cơ hội trúng thưởng lớn. BJ88

    Reply

  12. My spouse and i like your content. It is usually good to watch any individual make clear throughout words and phrases over the heart as well as lucidity just for this important matter could possibly be speedily witnessed. CelluCare

    Reply

  13. Greyspaces Furniture offers an exquisite range of sofa sets in Lahore, Pakistan, at competitive prices. With quality craftsmanship and stylish designs, your living space will be transformed. Discover comfort and elegance without breaking the bank at Greyspaces Furniture! L shape sofa in lahore

    Reply

  14. TOTO12 adalah platform situs toto macau dan bandar toto macau terjamin yang memberikan jaminan maxwin setiap hari nya. toto12

    Reply

  15. Untuk menambah keseruan bermain, INDO138 menawarkan berbagai bonus dan promosi menarik, Dari bonus new member hingga promosi harian.

    Reply

  16. When unexpected expenses arise, our Kelowna cash advance services provide a quick and efficient way to get the funds you need. With a simple application and fast approval process, you can access your cash in no time. Ideal for emergencies or urgent needs, our cash advance solutions ensure you’re covered without unnecessary delays or complications. Kelowna cash advance

    Reply

  17. KANJENGSLOT merupakan website ternama yang memiliki lisensi resmi. Yuk daftar dan login hari ini karena minimal depo hanya 10k di Kanjeng slot. kanjengslot

    Reply

  18. agenolx adalah platform login untuk bandar judi online terbaik dan daftar situs Toto slot paling gacor. Temukan berbagai permainan dengan peluang menang tinggi dan fitur bonus menarik. Bergabunglah sekarang di AGENOLX dan nikmati pengalaman bermain judi online yang tak tertandingi! agenolx

    Reply

  20. INDO138 adalah situs slot online yang menawarkan kemudahan transaksi dengan menghadirkan layanan deposit menggunakan bank bca, menjadikannya pilihan ideal bagi pemain yang mengutamakan kenyamanan dan efisiensi. Dengan bank bca, pemain dapat melakukan deposit secara cepat dan mudah melalui berbagai alternatif pembayaran digital yang aman dan terpercaya.

    Reply

  21. تُعتبر عملية فك الرهن العقاري ضرورة للكثير من الملاك، حيث تسمح لهم بتحرير أموالهم واستثمارها في مشاريع أخرى أو تحسين مستوى معيشتهم. كما تُعطي الملاك الحرية في التصرف بعقاراتهم دون قيود، وهو ما يسهل عليهم بيعها أو تأجيرها.

    Reply

  36. It’s similarly a fantastic write-up i usually certainly appreciated analyzing. It isn’t always day-to-day i usually create the chance to find out something. Manup Gummies

    Reply

  38. You can ask a call girls in model town to be your partner during your boring hours, and you can chat with them nonstop. Once you have her mobile number, you can call her at any time and invite her to your house or hotel. Some call girls also give their closest friends their sex Whats App numbers so that they can connect with them constantly; you can try that from our agents as well. If you decide to become a long-term client, our agents can also give you Call Girl in Lahore’s phone number right away.

    Reply

  39. Informative post! Are you willing to learn about your character and personality? If that’s the case, you can try out the innocent test or rice purity test which evaluates your actions and behaviors and generates the innocence or rice purity score. Go to the linked site to learn in the brief.

    Reply

  40. If you’re searching for quantity takeoff services san diego, P2 Construction is an excellent choice. They specialize in providing detailed and accurate quantity takeoffs for all types of construction projects, helping you streamline your project management and budgeting processes.

    Reply

  42. Welcome to Sex Girls Lahore and Lahore Models Call Girls. We are here for you to provide the best Call Girls service all over in Lahore Pakistan. High Class Call Girls Service in Lahore Like You Feel 100% Real Girlfriend Once you hire them. We provide High-class Call Girls in Lahore for sexual services to clients. You’ve come to the perfect site if you’re seeking for stylish Call Girls in Lahore. We are the most reputable Call Girls agency in Lahore and heaving neat and clean staff.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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