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?

38,381 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants

  1. The Bright Forest Green Tourmaline – Portuguese Cushion Cut 3.45 Carats is a stunning gemstone featuring a rich, vibrant forest green color. The Portuguese cushion cut, known for its intricate facets, enhances the stone’s brilliance and depth, allowing light to dance through it beautifully. Weighing 3.45 carats, this gemstone is perfect for elegant, eye-catching jewelry pieces. Its deep green hue and exceptional cut make it a captivating choice for those seeking a unique and luxurious tourmaline.

    Reply

  2. “999 Exch has exceeded my expectations in every way. The live betting feature is particularly exciting, offering real-time action that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The platform is well-designed, making it easy to navigate between different sections. I also appreciate the transparency in terms of odds and payouts. For anyone who enjoys online gaming, 999 Exch is a must-visit site!”

    Reply

  3. “What I love about 999Exch is how it caters to both casual gamers and serious bettors. The variety of games and betting options is impressive, ensuring there’s something for everyone. The site’s security measures are reassuring, giving me peace of mind while playing. Plus, the fast withdrawal process is a big plus. 999 Exch has become my go-to platform for all things gaming!”

    Reply

  4. Experience the thrill of Vegas Sweeps 777! Enjoy exciting spins, stunning visuals, and the chance to score incredible rewards. Play from anywhere and feel the rush of winning. Download now and start your journey to big prizes with vegas sweeps 777

    Reply

  5. jannat book 247has exceeded my expectations in many ways. The live betting options are fantastic, providing an adrenaline rush as you place bets while the action happens. The odds are very favorable, and I’ve noticed that the payouts are processed quickly, which is a huge advantage. The platform is well-organized, and the user interface is straightforward, making it easy to find my way around. Overall, jannatbook247 delivers a top-notch betting experience.

    Reply

  6. “What I like most about Sky 247is the variety of betting options available. Whether I want to place a bet on a popular football match or try my luck with a lesser-known sport, I always find something interesting. The odds are competitive, and the site is easy to navigate, even for someone who’s not tech-savvy. Their customer service team has also been great, always ready to help with any issues I encounter. Sky247 is a solid choice for online betting.”

    Reply

  7. Your writing is very interesting! The ideas you use are fresh and inspiring to learn more about this topic, for those of you who want to read more, you can visit our website here https://tylerthecreators.com

    Reply

  8. “As an avid sports bettor, I’ve tried many platforms, but Vl Book has become my favorite. The site offers a great range of betting options, from mainstream sports to niche events. The live betting experience is particularly thrilling, with real-time updates and odds changes. I’ve found the platform to be reliable and user-friendly, with no issues when it comes to deposits or withdrawals. The customer service is responsive and helpful, making the overall experience even better. If you’re serious about betting, Vlbook is definitely worth your time.”

    Reply

  9. It’s on top of that a superb upload that him and i definitely treasured analyzing. It’s actually not each day we have opportunity to know a specific thing. archivebate

    Reply

  10. The super jackpot online slot game has become a phenomenon that has attracted the attention of many players, both beginners and experienced. Here are some interesting points that can be of interest to players. Online slot jackpot machines offer the opportunity to get big bonuses and instant wealth. If you want to know more information, please visit our website https://cookandcorks.com

    Reply

  11. The next seems to be such as undoubtedly wonderful. Each one of these small factors are made by utilizing quantity of basis attention. I like all of them substantially. archivebate

    Reply

  12. At Cyblance, we are experts in classified website development, providing businesses with robust solutions to create classified ads websites and build classified websites. Our classified website builders offer user-friendly interfaces, allowing you to manage ads easily. We specialize in classified web designs that are visually appealing and responsive, ensuring a seamless experience for users. Whether you need to make a classified website or develop a classifieds app, our tailored approach meets your specific needs. Choose us for comprehensive classified site builder solutions that elevate your online presence.

    Reply

  13. You understand your projects stand out of the crowd. There is something unique about them. It seems to me all of them are brilliant. FB88

    Reply

  14. Selamat Datang di Pragmatic4d PRAGMATIC4D menjadi pilihan utama bagi banyak pemain yang mencari situs link slot gacor hari ini. Dengan berbagai fitur menarik, bonus menggiurkan, dan keamanan yang terjamin, PRAGMATIC4D menawarkan pengalaman bermain yang tidak terlupakan.

    Reply

  15. Access to healthcare for immigrants is a critical issue that requires clear communication and advocacy. Just as graphic designing services create impactful visuals to convey important messages, effective design can play a role in raising awareness about healthcare access, helping organizations reach and engage immigrant communities with vital information.

    Reply

  16. The look favorably fantastic. Many of these small data tend to be designed making use of lots of background encounter. I’d like everything considerably. NERVE FRESH

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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