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?

45,828 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants

  1. 96M is a top destination for Slot Malaysia enthusiasts, offering a vast selection of exciting slot games. With its user-friendly interface, secure payment methods, and rewarding promotions, 96M provides a thrilling and seamless gaming experience for slot lovers across Malaysia.

    Reply

  2. This is a excellent blog, would you be involved in doing an interview about just how you designed it? If so e-mail me! dewatogel

    Reply

  3. Discover a curated collection of products for the whole family. From skincare and haircare to supplements and wellness essentials, we’ve got you covered Oasis of wellness

    Reply

  4. This specific seems totally perfect. Every one of these little facts are made together with wide range of background knowing. I really like this particular a good deal. tonic greens

    Reply

  5. Situs Togel adalah situs yang menyediakan permainan Togel 4D yang sudah di akui Resmi sehingga semua kalangan pecinta judi online mulai dari yang usia muda hingga tua tahu bahwa situs ini adalah situs Terbesar Di Dunia yang memiliki sistem permainan terbaik dan keamanan yang super ketat sehingga semua pemain judi togel tidak perlu merasa takut akan data data mereka yang mereka daftarkan di situs ini karena situs ini sudah terjamin. situs togel 4d

    Reply

  6. Oh my goodness! an amazing write-up dude. Thanks Nevertheless I am experiencing trouble with ur rss . Do not know why Struggling to sign up for it. Is there anyone obtaining identical rss problem? Anyone who knows kindly respond. Thnkx kuwin

    Reply

  7. Slot Zeus Anti Rungkad Jackpot86 merupakan situs resmi RTP Live Slot JP terpercaya unggul dalam menyediakan beragam permainan gampang dengan kualitas terbaik. Salam JP. Check out slot zeus.

    Reply

  8. 🎰 พร้อมหรือยังที่จะเปิดประสบการณ์เดิมพันที่ไม่เหมือนใคร? สล็อตวอเลทมอบความสะดวกสบายในการฝาก-ถอนเงินด้วยวอเลท ทำให้คุณสามารถสนุกไปกับเกมสล็อตสุดมันส์ได้อย่างง่ายดาย! 💰 สมัครวันนี้ รับโบนัสพิเศษทันที! ไม่ควรพลาด! สล็อตวอเลท

    Reply

  9. Fantastic job here. I really enjoyed what you had to say. Keep heading because you surely bring a new voice to this subject. Not many people would say what youve said and still make it interesting. Well, at least Im interested. Cant wait to see more of this from you. https://kuwinn.site

    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. situs toto

    Reply

  11. This approach quite still an excellent live which i for that matter quite really liked perusing. This isn’t conclusively daily which i are the option to evaluate an important problem. https://ww88vip.vip

    Reply

  12. It was wondering if I could use this write-up on my other website, I will link it back to your website though.Great Thanks. omega 3

    Reply

  13. Hi, I do think this is an excellent site. I stumbledupon it 😉
    I will come back once again since i have saved as a favorite it.

    Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue
    to guide other people.

    Also visit my web-site :: ทางเข้าเล่นVVIP69

    Reply

  14. WW88 promotes responsible gaming, offering tools such as spending limits, self-exclusion options, and educational resources to help users manage their gaming habits. ww88

    Reply

  15. When i got on your web-site having said that ranking aim only a bit more minimal submits. Pleasing technique for near future, I’ll be book-marking when collect people today finish off takes place into position. https://ww88vip.vip

    Reply

  16. The looks definitely splendid. Everyone of these dwarf tips can be fabricated by using lots of records go through. I want everything you need noticeably. hello88a.fit

    Reply

  17. That’s internet marketing special deals plans as a way to important consider before ad. Be more successful to put in writing more advantageous put along these lines. Nagano Tonic

    Reply

  18. 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. Alphabites

    Reply

  19. Quality articles is the main to interest the visitors to visit the website, that’s what this web site
    is providing.

    Also visit my site … escort in Punch

    Reply

  20. Matera, Italy: Famous for its ancient cave dwellings, Matera is a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases incredible architecture and a fascinating history.click here

    Reply

  21. Having read this I believed it was very informative. I appreciate you spending some time and energy to
    put this article together. I once again find myself personally
    spending a lot of time both reading and leaving comments.

    But so what, it was still worthwhile!

    Take a look at my webpage; bolacasino88

    Reply

  22. Thanks for sharing this valuable information! landlord lawyer free consultation can be a great way to understand your rights and responsibilities as a landlord or tenant. It’s essential to have expert guidance, especially when navigating complex rental laws. I appreciate the tips on what to prepare for the consultation—having all the necessary documents ready really makes a difference. Looking forward to reading more about this topic!”

    Reply

  23. شركات مكافحة الحشرات بالمدينة المنورة: حماية منزلك من الآفات
    تواجه المدينة المنورة، كغيرها من المدن، مشكلة انتشار الحشرات والقوارض التي تهدد صحة وسلامة السكان. لحسن الحظ، توجد العديد من شركات مكافحة الحشرات المتخصصة في المدينة المنورة والتي تقدم حلولاً فعالة للتخلص من هذه الآفات.
    تقدم هذه الشركات مجموعة متنوعة من الخدمات، بدءًا من مكافحة الحشرات المنزلية الشائعة مثل الصراصير والنمل والبق، وصولاً إلى مكافحة الحشرات الأكبر حجمًا مثل الفئران والثعابين. تستخدم هذه الشركات أحدث التقنيات والمبيدات الحشرية الآمنة والفعالة للقضاء على الحشرات بشكل نهائي.
    شركة مكافحة حشرات بالمدينة المنورة

    Reply

  24. Tinyzone provides free streaming of the latest movies and TV shows. With high-definition content and a simple layout, it’s perfect for effortless online entertainment. Tinyzone

    Reply

  25. Hi! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for
    this site? I’m getting fed up of WordPress because I’ve had problems with hackers and I’m
    looking at alternatives for another platform.
    I would be awesome if you could point me in the
    direction of a good platform.

    Check out my page: erecprime reviews

    Reply

  26. Great stuff from you, man. Ive read your stuff before and youre just too awesome. I love what youve got here, love what youre saying and the way you say it. You make it entertaining and you still manage to keep it smart. I cant wait to read more from you. This is really a great blog. قرص ایمدین

    Reply

  27. The following is found 100 % most suitable. Every one of small-scale aspects are written and wide range of past recognizing. I want it plenty. abc8a.bar

    Reply

  28. Stream content effortlessly with the KEMO IPTV Pack, featuring anti-buffering and anti-freeze technology and offering crystal-clear image quality in up to 4K on any device, whenever and wherever you are : KEMO IPTV

    Reply

  29. This is a great inspiring article.I am pretty much pleased with your good work.You put really very helpful information. Keep it up. Keep blogging. Looking to reading your next post. whatsapp number tracker

    Reply

  30. This approach quite still an excellent live which i for that matter quite really liked perusing. This isn’t conclusively daily which i are the option to evaluate an important problem. I9BET

    Reply

  31. Very useful post. This is my first time i visit here. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. Really its great article. Keep it up. Situs kantor bola

    Reply

  32. Very efficiently written information. It will be beneficial to anybody who utilizes it, including me. Keep up the good work. For sure i will check out more posts. This site seems to get a good amount of visitors. สล็อต

    Reply

  33. Wonderful blog! Do you have any tips for aspiring writers?

    I’m hoping to start my own blog soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
    Would you recommend starting with a free
    platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many choices out there that I’m completely confused ..
    Any tips? Thank you!

    Here is my blog post 구월동출장안마

    Reply

  34. One time i actually got on your webpage even if finding account simply to some extent great deal submits. Fulfilling technique for coming, We’re book-marking together receive styles ending rises up. i9bet

    Reply

  35. Enjoy flawless streaming on all devices with KEMO IPTV Pack, built to prevent buffering and freezing, delivering brilliant 4K image quality, no matter where you are or when you watch : KEMO IPTV

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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