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?

41,018 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants

  1. Hey! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any
    issues with hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended
    up losing months of hard work due to no back up.
    Do you have any solutions to stop hackers?

    my web page; เกมราชา99

    Reply

  2. This internet site is often a walk-through rather than the details you wanted about it and didn’t know who ought to. Glimpse here, and you’ll certainly discover it. amz stream

    Reply

  3. Your work is very good and I appreciate you and hopping for some more informative posts. Thank you for sharing great information to us. singa123

    Reply

  4. Awesome blog! Do you have any suggestions for aspiring writers?
    I’m hoping to start my own blog soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
    Would you advise starting with a free platform like WordPress
    or go for a paid option? There are so many choices out there
    that I’m totally overwhelmed .. Any ideas? Many thanks!

    Check out my web site go to my site

    Reply

  5. Your mode of explaining all in this post is in fact nice, every one be capable
    of easily be aware of it, Thanks a lot.

    Check out my site GSNSlOT

    Reply

  6. Blog sites present a variety of informative and interesting content, thus providing access for readers to various knowledge. The content is usually arranged in an orderly and easily accessible manner, making it easier for readers to find the information they need, for those of you who want to visit a very interesting blog site, you can visit it on our website https://dorahoki.wtf/

    Reply

    1. Slots PK APK is a new amazing App in Pakistan that gives free space to all Gaming platforms, Slot, and Bingo game lovers to play their game of decision and win big rewards.

      Reply

  7. I can see that you are an expert at your field! I am launching a website soon, and your information will be very useful for me.. Thanks for all your help and wishing you all the success in your business. Hendersonville Moving Company

    Reply

  8. Brilliant post! You’ve made a complicated subject so much easier to understand. Your blog is quickly becoming one of my go-to resources for learning new things. Thanks for the clear instructions! kroger.com/feedback

    Reply

  9. I’d ought to seek advice from you here. Which is not something I do! I love reading an article that could make people feel. Also, many thanks allowing me to comment! ganga betting app

    Reply

  10. As of 2024, solar panels price in Pakistan between PKR 20,000 and PKR 40,000, depending on various factors. Beyond cost savings, they offer health benefits by reducing pollution, which can lower respiratory diseases. Reliable solar power also improves healthcare services in areas with frequent outages. Growing awareness and government incentives are driving increased adoption of solar energy, benefiting both the economy and public health.

    Reply

  11. I really loved reading your blog. It was very well authored and easy to undertand. Unlike additional blogs I have read which are really not tht good. I also found your posts very interesting. In fact after reading, I had to go show it to my friend and he ejoyed it as well! togel singapore

    Reply

  12. hello there boys it’s actually I am, Simply put I have fallen for a second time. Document haven?¯t been in this incredible website for many years since I have shed items private data, at the present I recently uncovered them back! Can miss all of you all of you seem to be our friends I presume all of you. Nice post! וויזע פֿאַר לאַנד מאָנטענעגראָ

    Reply

  13. Slots PK APK is a new amazing App in Pakistan that gives free space to all Gaming platforms, Slot, and Bingo game lovers to play their game of decision and win big rewards.

    Reply

  14. An intriguing discussion is worth comment. I do believe that you can write more on this topic, it will not become a taboo subject but generally individuals are there are not enough to communicate in on such topics. To another location. Cheers https://99oke.lol

    Reply

  15. This specific would seem to be utterly most beneficial. Each one of these modest tips can be designed with a number of backdrop tips. I favor which will much. plataforma nova

    Reply

  16. All the games available have advantages and are easy to play. Apart from that, it is very easy for you to win, you can only find it at koko303

    Reply

  17. This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing blog that understand the value of providing a quality resource for free. – 24kbet

    Reply

  18. Took me time to read all the comments, but I really enjoyed the article. It proved to be Very helpful to me and I am sure to all the commenters here! It’s always nice when you can not only be informed, but also entertained! agen togel singapore

    Reply

  19. I’m the with regard to the majority of the content pieces, We completely savored, I’d truly choose much more information concerning this particular, considering the fact that it is good., Thanks intended for publishing. miso88b.co

    Reply

  20. 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 pos 스포츠중계

    Reply

  21. Took me time to read all the comments, but I really enjoyed the article. It proved to be Very helpful to me and I am sure to all the commenters here! It’s always nice when you can not only be informed, but also entertained! rent a car baku

    Reply

  22. It’s really a cool and useful piece of information. I’m satisfied that you shared this useful information with us. Please stay us informed like this. Thank you for sharing. Trang chủ miso88

    Reply

  23. The luxury proposed might be incomparable; citizens are never fail to looking for bags is a Native goals. The idea numerous insert goals uniquely to push diversity with visibility during the travel and leisure arena. Hotels Discounts alo789

    Reply

  24. With the ability to be played on mobile and desktop devices, players can enjoy the gaming experience anytime and anywhere. The combination of entertaining gameplay, good winning chances, and high accessibility, If you want to know more information, please visit our website waktogel as one of the most sought-after slot games. With all these elements, Super jackpot is not just a game, but also a fun and profitable experience for slot fans.

    Reply

  25. I require the majority of the records, Have a preference for seriously favored, We really wish for addiitional information and facts over it, while it is definitely rather great., L8rs used only for documenting. WW88

    Reply

  26. เสื้อลายดอก เสื้อฮาวาย เสื้อสงกรานต์ เสื้อเที่ยวทะเล เสื้อใส่ทำบุญ เสื้อคู่ เสื้อทีม เสื้อบริษัท เสื้อปาร์ตี้ ใส่ได้ทั้งผู้ชาย และ ผู้หญิง สีสันสดใส ใส่สบาย มีหลากหลาย สไตล์ สี และ ลวดลายให้เลือกสรร ใส่ได้หลากหลายโอกาส เช่น เที่ยวทะเล ทำบุญ สรงน้ำพระพุทธรูปที่บ้าน รดน้ำดำหัวผู้ใหญ่ในบ้าน อีกทั้งเป็น เสื้อรุ่น เสื้อกิจกรรม เสื้อกลุ่ม เสื้อรับน้อง เสื้อใส่เที่ยวทะเล เสื้อใส่ทำบุญ เสื้อฮาวายลายดอก เสื้อฮาวายวินเทจ เสื้อลายดอกพิมพ์ลายดอกไม้เรโทรสไตล์วินเทจ ดีไซน์ทันสมัย เนื้อผ้าเบาบางพร้อมกับให้ความรู้สึกเย็นขณะสวมใส่เหมาะสำหรับการ ทุกฤดูกาล เสื้อลายดอก

    Reply

  27. Wow, awesome blog structure! How long have you been running a blog for? you made blogging look easy. The total look of your site is wonderful, let alone the content material! https://cwincom.wiki

    Reply

  28. تقييم العقارات: إمكانية تقييم الأراضي والممتلكات المتاحة لتحديد قيمتها السوقية الدقيقة، مما يساعد المستثمرين في اتخاذ قرارات مدروسة. مخطط الخير

    Reply

  29. I am usually to blogging i actually appreciate your posts. The content has really peaks my interest. I will bookmark your website and keep checking for brand new data. 99OK

    Reply

  30. One other important aspect is that if you are an elderly person, travel insurance regarding pensioners is something you ought to really take into consideration. The old you are, greater at risk you are for making something terrible happen to you while overseas. If you are not covered by quite a few comprehensive insurance coverage, you could have some serious problems. Thanks for sharing your guidelines on this blog site. WW88

    Reply

  31. Blog site designs are often kept simple and easy to use, allowing visitors to navigate through articles with ease. A clean layout creates a pleasant reading experience and makes the information easier to understand. For those of you who want to try a very interesting site, you can visit it at the link on the side wak togel

    Reply

  32. This is a well-thought-out article from a true writer. I agree with numerous strong points made. Excited to see what’s next! Fut max

    Reply

  33. We offer the best practical and most applicable solutions. All our Sydney plumbers are experienced and qualified and are able to quickly assess your problem and find the best solution. alo789 farm

    Reply

  34. The the next time I just read a blog, I am hoping who’s doesnt disappoint me around that one. After all, It was my solution to read, but I just thought youd have some thing interesting to convey. All I hear is often a lot of whining about something that you could fix should you werent too busy seeking attention. Zencortex Review

    Reply

  35. I absolutely love the variety of collars available forshiba inu dog collar Their unique personalities really shine through with the right accessory. A well-fitted collar not only keeps them safe but also adds a stylish touch to their adorable look. Plus, I think a collar with a fun design can reflect their playful nature. Does anyone have recommendations for durable yet stylish options?”

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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