Posted on 46,478 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?

46,478 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants”

  3. semua disiapkan untuk meningkatkan saldo akun Anda dan memberikan lebih banyak kesempatan untuk menang Mslot168

    Reply

  4. menyediakan forum diskusi dan fitur live chat yang memungkinkan Anda untuk berinteraksi dengan pemain lain Nanas77

    Reply

  5. Komunitas yang solid ini akan membuat Anda merasa tidak sendirian dalam perjalanan bermain togel online Otw78

    Reply

  6. Respon yang cepat dan solusi yang tepat akan diberikan untuk memastikan kenyamanan dan kepuasan Anda sebagai member Pecah500

    Reply

  7. Sga388 Bergabunglah sekarang dan rasakan sendiri sensasi bermain togel online yang lebih mudah, aman, dan menguntungkan!

    Reply

  10. offers a great chance to achieve maximum winnings. The term “maxwin” refers to the highest potential payout a player can get in a slot game. Therefore, If you want to know more information, please visit our website wak togel With so many game options available, it is important for players to understand the ways and strategies that can increase their chances of winning.

    Reply

  13. Amazing blog! Do you have any hints for aspiring writers?
    I’m hoping to start my own blog soon but I’m
    a little lost on everything. Would you propose starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option?
    There are so many choices out there that I’m completely overwhelmed ..
    Any suggestions? Cheers!

    Feel free to surf to my webpage … my website

    Reply

  15. Fascinating blog! Is your theme custom made or did
    you download it from somewhere? A design like yours with a
    few simple adjustements would really make my blog stand out.

    Please let me know where you got your theme. Thank you

    my web blog: razor shark 2 demo

    Reply

  16. 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! homedepot.com/survey

    Reply

  17. خرید اکانت کالاف دیوتی موبایل ارزان✓ پشتیبانی 24 ساعته✓ ثبت 100% رایگان آگهی✓ فروش به بهترین قیمت✓ واریز نقدی و فوری✓ گارانتی و تضمینی
    فروش اکانت کالاف

    Reply

  20. 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. Lottery Defeater

    Reply

  22. Blog sites also provide a platform for writers to interact with readers through comments. This creates a vibrant community where readers can share their views and experiences, enriching the discussion pen 4d

    Reply

  27. Your blog provided us with valuable information to work with. Each & every tips of your post are awesome. Thanks a lot for sharing. Keep blogging, Jaipur Escort

    Reply

  29. 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. santa for hire near me

    Reply

  30. Maximize your by how a large amount of gear are employed internationally and will often impart numerous memory using that your is also fighting that is a result from our team rrnside the twenty first centuries. daily deal livingsocial discount baltimore washington excavator main pump

    Reply

  31. Any time i actually turned against your web-site while having special particular attention without difficulty a small amount of touch submits. Gratifying way of duration, Soon we will be book-marking at this point currently have styles execute springs perfect right up. Manup Gummies

    Reply

  33. Hi there, I found your website by the use of Google whilst looking
    for a comparable subject, your site got here up, it appears good.
    I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.

    Hi there, simply become aware of your blog via Google, and located that
    it is really informative. I’m going to be careful for brussels.
    I will appreciate if you happen to continue this in future.
    A lot of other folks can be benefited out of your writing. Cheers!

    Feel free to surf to my page; Click here

    Reply

  35. Cheap Gucci Handbags Is usually blogengine much better than wp for reasons unknown? Should be which is turning out to be popluar today. seltoto

    Reply

  36. World of Warcraft” is a monumental MMORPG that has captivated players since its launch in 2004. Set in the enchanting world of Azeroth, it offers an immersive experience filled with intricate lore, diverse character classes, and countless quests. The game encourages social interaction through guilds and cooperative gameplay, fostering a strong community. With regular expansions introducing fresh content, “WoW” keeps players engaged and coming back for more. Its influence on gaming is profound, making it a defining title in the MMORPG genre and a beloved classic. buy wow gold retail

    Reply

  37. Hi there! I just wish to give an enormous thumbs up for the nice info you’ve right here on this post. I shall be coming again to your blog for extra soon. ulartoto

    Reply

  38. “I recently discovered the importance of halfway homes in supporting recovery journeys. These safe environments provide structure and community, which can be crucial for those transitioning back to everyday life. If you’re searching for halfway homes near me , I recommend checking out resources that connect individuals with local options. Finding the right support can make all the difference in maintaining sobriety and rebuilding lives.”

    Reply

  39. I enjoy every single posts, I actually appreciated, I would personally adore extra information and facts because of this, mainly because its fairly pleasing., Have fun here ideal for allowing. https://loto188a.asia/

    Reply

  43. Thanks for a wonderful share. Your article has proved your hard work and experience you have got in this field. Brilliant .i love it reading. daman games

    Reply

  45. There are certainly plenty of details like that to take into consideration. That could be a nice level to deliver up. I offer the ideas above as general inspiration but clearly there are questions just like the one you deliver up where crucial factor might be working in sincere good faith. I don?t know if greatest practices have emerged around things like that, but I am positive that your job is clearly recognized as a fair game. Both boys and girls feel the affect of only a moment’s pleasure, for the rest of their lives. Manup Gummies

    Reply

  47. Bless you in the blog post and even very good strategies.. possibly even As i moreover think 6-pack abs is without a doubt a very important facet of gaining achieving success. bandar toto

    Reply

  49. One of the most attractive factors of a slot site is the variety of games offered. A good site usually has a wide collection of games, ranging from classic slots to modern video slots with stunning graphics. Therefore, if you want to know more information, please visit our website wak togel

    Reply

  50. Howdy! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and tell you I genuinely enjoy reading your blog posts. Can you suggest any other blogs/websites/forums that go over the same subjects? Thanks! https://loto188a.asia/

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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