Posted on 52,446 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?

52,446 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants”

  5. carharttshop
    Carhartt has been providing the highest quality outdoor apparel, gear and workwear. The Carhartt shop brings you a wide collection of clothing.

    Reply

  6. Men’s shoes come in a variety of styles, from formal leather oxfords to casual sneakers and boots. The right pair of shoes not only completes an outfit but also provides comfort and support. Popular choices include loafers for a polished look, athletic sneakers for active wear, and durable boots for rugged terrain, offering both style and function.

    Reply

  8. live22 สล็อตlive22 เล่นผ่านเว็บ ANDROID และ IOS เว็บไซต์เกมพนันออนไลน์ที่ดีที่สุดที่มีเกมครบทุกประเภท เช่น สล็อตออนไลน์ บาคาร่า คาสิโนออนไลน์ แทงบอล หวยออนไลน์

    Reply

  10. slotxo สล็อตxo เล่นผ่านเว็บ ANDROID และ IOS เว็บไซต์เกมพนันออนไลน์ที่ดีที่สุดที่มีเกมครบทุกประเภท เช่น สล็อตออนไลน์ บาคาร่า คาสิโนออนไลน์ แทงบอล หวยออนไลน์

    Reply

  11. This is a fantastic and inspiring article. I’m really impressed with your excellent work and the helpful information you provided. Keep it up and keep blogging—I’m looking forward to your next post! From yGermany

    Reply

  15. This internet site is my breathing in, really good layout and perfect content . Thank you very much and will look for more postings from you. Logistics Software

    Reply

  25. People like numerous considerations, I actually essentially expert, I would personally have a preference for more information regarding the following, on the grounds that its magnificent., By using as a consequence of have dispersion. w88

    Reply

  27. That’s look into you ought to special groundwork ahead of when authoring. Shall be likely that will even more alluring blog post through this industry. vnloto

    Reply

  29. As i purchased with your blog site while positioning fascination purely a little bit little submits. Fulfilling technique for extended, We will be book-marking during a period attain forms finish happens further up. Lottery Defeated

    Reply

  30. Bmw4d adalah situs slot terpercaya yang menjadi pilihan utama bagi para pecinta judi daring yang mencari kemenangan maksimal. Dengan koleksi slot Gacor Maxwin yang mengagumkan.

    Reply

  33. At Silicon Valley Recovery, the focus is on holistic healing, and their 12 steps program in San Jose offers a proven approach to addiction recovery. It’s designed to guide individuals through every phase of their recovery journey with personalized care and group support.

    Reply

  34. Nikmati pengalaman bermain slot yang mengesankan di JUARA88 Situs ini menawarkan game dengan desain premium, bonus melimpah, dan hadiah yang memuaskan setiap pemain.

    Reply

  35. เรามีเกมอีกมากมายกว่า 500 เกม สล็อตเว็บตรง สล็อตไม่ผ่านเอเย่นต์ ซึ่งเราได้ คัดสรรจาก หลากหลายค่าย มาไว้ที่นี่ ที่เดียว ไม่ว่าจะเป็น เกมสล็อต บาคาร่า เกมยิงปลา แทงบอล และอีก หลากหลายเกม ให้เลือกเล่น ได้อย่างจุใจ ภายในเว็บเรา

    Reply

  36. ช่วยแก้ภาวการณ์เบื่อข้าว
    ผลกระทบสำคัญๆของการใช้กัญชาชนิด KD ก็คือหลังจากที่ได้ใช้งานไปแล้วจะก่อให้คุณต้องการของกินมากยิ่งกว่าธรรมดา ซึ่งคุณประโยชน์นี้สามารถช่วยเหล่าคนป่วยที่ไม่อยากอาหาร แล้วก็สามารถเอาไปใช้กับผู้เจ็บป่วยโรคภูมิคุมกันบกพร่อง ที่ปรารถนาเพิ่มน้ำหนักตัวได้ เพื่อคนเจ็บกลุ่มนี้ได้รับสารอาหารที่จำเป็นจะต้องรวมทั้งพอเพียง kd เกาะเต่า

    Reply

  37. الموقع بتحدث عن الدكتور غسان الشوابكة و عن أمراض القلب في الأردن و عن القسطرة في الأردن و عمليات القسطرة في الاردن فالدكتور غسان هو من طبيب امراض قلب في الاردن و يعمل في عيادة امراض القلب في الاردن

    إليك نظرة عامة على ما نقدمه:
    https://jordancardiology.com/

    Reply

  38. This is my first time i visit here. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here! keep up the good work Jaisalmer Prince Desert Camp

    Reply

  41. Thank you for sharing this insightful article! Great post I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made.
    feel free to visit Subhadra yojana For more resources.

    Reply

  42. Really nice and interesting post. I was looking for this kind of information and enjoyed reading this one. Keep posting. Thanks for sharing. primeguestnews

    Reply

  43. Could potentially be plus a superb page document unquestionably beloved viewing. It will be not really regular document offer the range to find out to become a thing. plataforma nova

    Reply

  44. The team at La Jolla Mental Health understands the importance of affordable and accessible mental health treatment. We’re committed to providing high-quality care that meets the needs of our community.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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