Posted on 41,207 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?

41,207 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants”

  2. That’sthe factor marketing that you choose to perfect due diligence in advance of producing. Additionally, it is likely to jot down better ad utilizing this type of. sugar defender

    Reply

  3. The Palu4D site is the best website for the online world which is now very popular because it is played by many people. Of course, if you play on our site, of course you will all feel a very extraordinary and happy sensation because you also get big profits in every game. https://sefuwebsite.com/

    Reply

  6. Sejarah panjangnya yang dimulai sejak tahun 1968 telah membuktikan reputasinya sebagai permainan yang adil, transparan, dan terpercaya gf7777

    Reply

  11. Bermain slot online tidak hanya mengandalkan keberuntungan semata. Ada beberapa strategi dan tips yang dapat meningkatkan peluang Anda untuk menang MegaIdr

    Reply

  12. Bermain dengan Bertanggung Jawab: Ingatlah bahwa slot adalah permainan hiburan, bukan cara untuk mencari penghasilan utama Oyo77

    Reply

  18. Permainan kartu yang sederhana namun menegangkan, di mana Anda harus memilih antara Player atau Banker yang memiliki nilai kartu tertinggi megawin77

    Reply

  19. Permainan dadu yang seru dan cepat, di mana Anda harus menebak kombinasi angka yang akan keluar dari tiga buah dadu 77rabit

    Reply

  20. SESETOTO adalah suatu situs judi online resmi yang memiliki izin dari PAGCOR sehingga anda tidak perlu khawatir tentang keamanan data diri anda

    Reply

  22. APNSLOT adalah situs slot terbaik yang memberikan pelayanan slot online gacor dan pasti gampang maxwin untuk para membernya

    Reply

  23. Wow, excellent post. I’d like to draft like this too – taking time and real hard work to make a great article. This post has encouraged me to write some posts that I am going to write soon. sugar defender

    Reply

  26. Exam Papers Plus is an extensive resource that provides students with a variety of past exam papers and practice tests. It aids in exam preparation by familiarizing learners with different formats, enhancing their understanding, and boosting their confidence for success.

    Reply

  29. UFABET ฝากถอน ด้วยระบบอัตโนมัติใน 15 วินาที แทงบอล ค่าน้ำ 4ตังค์ คอม 0.5% ดีที่สุดในเอเชีย เว็บตรงไม่ ผ่านเอเย่นต์ 100% แอดไลน์ @ufa88sv1 ufabet88

    Reply

  30. เราคือแหล่งรวม บทความ สถานที่ แทงหวยและตีความฝัน เลขเด็ […] นิยม789

    Reply

  31. Chinese dance costume ancient classical dancing costumes men women children boy girl custom made fan ribbon dances folk outfit shoes group hair accessories accessory competition Mongolian traditional clothes China ethnic clothing Japanese Korean water sleeve martial arts clothing

    Reply

  32. Are you looking to publish your own apps on the Google Play Store? Consider purchasing a Google Play Developer Account. With this account, you’ll be able to distribute your apps to a wide audience and take advantage of Google’s robust app ecosystem. It’s important to note that each account is subject to Google’s terms of service, so be sure to review them carefully before making a purchase
    Here Is Your Solution For Buy Google Play Developer Accounts

    Reply

  33. SW 789 สล็อต เป็นเว็บสล็อตที่ตอบโจทย์ทุกความต้องการของผู้เล่นในประเทศไทย ท่านจะพบกับความมั่นคงและน่าเชื่อถือที่สุด สมัครสมาชิกฟรี @ufa88sv1 sw 789 สล็อต

    Reply

  35. IDR168 adalah situs web terpercaya yang menawarkan permainan slot gacor. Ini memiliki peluang menang tinggi dan jackpot besar. Situs ini populer di kalangan pecinta judi online karena bonus new member 100% yang menarik. Slot Viral

    Reply

  37. เดิมพัน กีฬา E-sport ช่องทางที่ได้รับความนิยม ในการเข้าเล่นมากที่สุด สมัครง่าย แอดไลน์ @ufa88sv1 เปิดให้เดิมพันทุกเกม ให้ราคาดี กว่าเว็บอื่น eSports

    Reply

  41. This web site is really a walk-through you discover the knowledge it suited you about this and didn’t know who to inquire about. Glimpse here, and you’ll undoubtedly discover it. Tonic Greens

    Reply

  45. This is really on top of that a truly decent advertisment you honestly professional exploring because of. It will be far away from regularly now we have hazard to look into something. Dolce & Gabbana sale

    Reply

  46. Awesome blog. I enjoyed reading your articles. This is truly a great read for me. I have bookmarked it and I am looking forward to reading new articles. Keep up the good work! indobett11

    Reply

  47. Thanks for a very interesting blog. What else may I get that kind of info written in such a perfect approach? I’ve a undertaking that I am simply now operating on, and I have been at the look out for such info. Buy magic mushroom online in USA

    Reply

  50. Innovative Features and Updates: Ko66 consistently introduces new features, such as gamification elements and personalized user interfaces, to enhance player engagement and elevate the overall experience. ko66

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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