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?

45,318 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants

  1. Spot on with this write-up, I absolutely believe that this website needs far more attention.
    I’ll probably be returning to read through more, thanks for
    the information!

    Feel free to surf to my blog campervan shows (Dell)

    Reply

  2. I want you to thank for your time of this wonderful read!!! I definately enjoy every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff of your blog a must read blog! http://www.eps-isolatie.be

    Reply

  3. First You got a great blog .I will be interested in more similar topics. i see you got really very useful topics, i will be always checking your blog thanks. Zonnepanelen installateurs

    Reply

  4. Thanks for your post. I’ve been thinking about writing a very comparable post over the last couple of weeks, I’ll probably keep it short and sweet and link to this instead if thats cool. Thanks. Warmtepomp installatie

    Reply

  5. I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. I am hoping the same best work from you in the future as well. In fact your creative writing abilities has inspired me to start my own Blog Engine blog now. Really the blogging is spreading its wings rapidly. Your write up is a fine example of it. Isolatie spouwmuur

    Reply

  6. This is very educational content and written well for a change. It’s nice to see that some people still understand how to write a quality post! Monoblock zwembad

    Reply

  7. This is a fabulous post I seen because of offer it. It is really what I expected to see trust in future you will continue in sharing such a mind boggling post Buitenzwembad

    Reply

  8. Excellent Blog! I would like to thank for the efforts you have made in writing this post. I am hoping the same best work from you in the future as well. I wanted to thank you for this websites! Thanks for sharing. Great websites! Zwembad plaatsen tuin

    Reply

  9. 모든 댓글을 읽는 데 시간이 걸렸지 만 기사를 정말 즐겼습니다. 그것은 나에게 매우 도움이되는 것으로 판명되었고 여기의 모든 댓글 작성자에게 확신합니다! 정보를받을 수있을뿐만 아니라 즐길 수있을 때 항상 좋습니다. 카지노 커뮤니티

    Reply

  10. Hi there, I found your website via Google while searching for a related topic, your website came up, it looks great. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks. macau 4d

    Reply

  11. Just pure brilliance from you here. I have never expected something less than this from you and you have not disappointed me at all. I suppose you will keep the quality work going on. Isolatie muur

    Reply

  12. I really enjoyed reading this post, big fan. Keep up the good work andplease tell me when can you publish more articles or where can I read more on the subject? Aanleg zwembad

    Reply

  13. I needed to thank you for this incredible read!! I unquestionably adored each and every piece of it. I have you bookmarked your site to look at the new stuff you post. – rajasthan news

    Reply

  14. I have recently started a blog, the info you provide on this site has helped me greatly. Thanks for all of your time & work Zwembadbouw

    Reply

  15. It was a very good post indeed. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it in my lunch time. Will surely come and visit this blog more often. Thanks for sharing. Casibom Güncel Giriş

    Reply

  16. Your substance is completely splendid from various perspectives. I think this is drawing in and educational material. Much obliged to you such a great amount for thinking about your substance and your perusers. 올인구조대

    Reply

  17. I simply wanted to thank you a lot more for your amazing website you have developed here. It can be full of useful tips for those who are actually interested in this specific subject, primarily this very post. Your all so sweet in addition to thoughtful of others and reading the blog posts is a great delight in my opinion. And thats a generous present! Dan and I usually have enjoyment making use of your recommendations in what we need to do in the near future. Our checklist is a distance long and tips will certainly be put to excellent use. toto macau

    Reply

  18. 나는이 기사를 읽었다. 이 기사를 만들기 위해 많은 노력을 기울인 것 같습니다. 나는 당신의 일을 좋아합니다. 카지노 커뮤니티

    Reply

  19. I needed to thank you for this incredible read!! I unquestionably adored each and every piece of it. I have you bookmarked your site to look at the new stuff you post. – delhi news

    Reply

  20. It is my first visit to your blog, and I am very impressed with the articles that you serve. Give adequate knowledge for me. Thank you for sharing useful material. I will be back for the more great post.daftar teslatoto

    Reply

  21. I have to convey my respect for your kindness for all those that require guidance on this one field. Your special commitment to passing the solution up and down has been incredibly functional and has continually empowered most people just like me to achieve their dreams. Your amazing insightful information entails much to me and especially to my peers. Thanks a ton; from all of us. olxtoto

    Reply

  22. This information is magnificent. I understand and respect your clear-cut points. I am impressed with your writing style and how well you express your thoughts. macau 4d

    Reply

  23. 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… link situs toto

    Reply

  24. 나는 당신이 이것에 배치 한 각각의 공연을 즐깁니다. 정말 유용한 곳이 될 거라고 확신합니다. 나는 또한 기뻤다. 잘 했어! 슬롯사이트

    Reply

  25. Chic Hot Club – Women’s Hot Fashion Clothing Store Embrace Chic Hot Club. and explore our luxurious women’s fashion clothing that inspire confidence and self-expression, at increasingly competitive prices. chic dresses

    Reply

  26. AGENOLX adalah platform yang menyediakan link login dan link alternatif resmi untuk akses ke berbagai situs judi online terkemuka. agenolx

    Reply

  27. เตรียมตัวให้พร้อมสำหรับประสบการณ์การเล่นเกมออนไลน์ที่สมบูรณ์แบบ!
    เล่นโปเกม่อนออนไลน์กับเพื่อนและครอบครัวของคุณ แพลตฟอร์มของเรารวดเร็ว ปลอดภัย และขับเคลื่อนด้วยเทคโนโลยีล้ำสมัยเพื่อประสบการณ์การเล่นเกมที่เหนือชั้น เข้าร่วมการดำเนินการทันทีและดูว่าทำไมหน้า

    Visit my site; เว็บคาสิโนออนไลน์ที่มีระบบรักษาความปลอดภัยระดับสูง และมีมาตรฐานการให้บริการที่ได้รับการยอมรับจากนักพนันทั่วโลก, king-wifi.win,

    Reply

  28. 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 Mcdartshop.nl

    Reply

  29. 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!. daftar ole777

    Reply

  30. Wow, this piece of writing is pleasant, my sister is analyzing these things, so I am going to convey her.

    Have a look at my site: Bokep Indo

    Reply

  31. We build your homes and dreams At YSB, we strive to bring imagination to life to the very last detail, to deliver only excellence, and to exceed expectation on every single project that we embark on. Get started Contact Us Recognition Featured in Georgia’s Top 10 Luxury Listings Presenting one of Atlanta’s most illustrious examples custom built homes near me

    Reply

  32. 유쾌한 게시물,이 매혹적인 작업을 계속 인식하십시오. 이 주제가이 사이트에서 마찬가지로 확보되고 있다는 것을 진심으로 알고 있으므로 이에 대해 이야기 할 시간을 마련 해주셔서 감사합니다! 먹튀검증

    Reply

  33. Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting?I have read a few of the articles on your website now, and I really like your style. Thanks a million and please keep up the effective work. Lotus 365 india

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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