Posted on 41,018 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?

41,018 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants”

  1. 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. wordiply

    Reply

  2. Oh my goodness! Awesome article dude! Thank you, However I am experiencing troubles
    with your RSS. I don’t know the reason why I cannot join it.
    Is there anybody else having similar RSS problems?
    Anybody who knows the solution can you kindly respond?
    Thanx!!

    my page … doa untuk mengusir burung hantu (piro-system.com)

    Reply

  3. MT77 There are several tips and tricks you can apply to increase your chances of winning and maximize your playing experience

    Reply

  6. This site certainly has all the information and facts
    I wanted about this subject and didn’t know who to ask.

    Also visit my webpage herpesyl

    Reply

  8. Great post however , I was wanting to know if you could write a litte more on this subject?
    I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little
    bit more. Bless you!

    Here is my web site – หวยฮานอย

    Reply

  12. Aston188 Menjadi salah satu website yang memiliki lisensi dan sertifikat resmi yang sudah di akui Internasional

    Reply

  23. Sunwin20 là một cổng game bài đổi thưởng uy tín và nổi tiếng hàng đầu châu Á, thuộc về tập đoàn Suncity. Đến với sunwin20 để khám phá nhiều trò chơi đổi thưởng hấp dẫn.

    Reply

  24. Wow, this is a great piece! I love how passionate you are about this subject. zzone It’s inspiring to see someone who cares so much.

    Reply

  28. In every corner of the country, we find unmatched uniqueness. Dense tropical forests, green rice fields, and exotic islands are part of the natural heritage that we must protect and preserve. The concept of Tanah Scape focuses not only on visual beauty, but also on the ecosystem that supports life. Therefore, if you want to know more information, please visit our website https://land-scape.id

    Reply

  31. I like the helpful info you supply to your articles. I will bookmark your blog and take a look at
    again right here frequently. I am quite sure I’ll be informed
    lots of new stuff proper right here! Best of luck for the next!

    Feel free to visit my page :: recipes (teletype.in)

    Reply

  32. 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. Meerpuntssluiting kapot

    Reply

  33. Buy Custom Monogram Slate Personalized Coasters Monogrammed: Coasters – Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases slate coaster

    Reply

  34. En Sal de Grano, encontrarás la mejor Sal de Grano natural. Mined en Yucatán, es rica en minerales esenciales que mejoran el sabor de tus comidas. ¡Una opción perfecta para quienes buscan pureza y calidad en su cocina!

    Reply

  35. La Sal Kosher de Sal de Grano es una opción excelente para una cocina sana y natural. Rica en minerales, es perfecta para quienes buscan sazonar sus comidas con un producto puro y de alta calidad. ¡Una gran opción para cualquier chef!

    Reply

  36. Para un toque especial, prueba la Sal Rosada de Sal de Grano. Esta sal natural está llena de minerales y aporta un sabor único a tus platillos. Perfecta para quienes buscan un ingrediente saludable y delicioso para su cocina.

    Reply

  41. I favor the entire group of products, Considered truly loved, I want more information. about this, thinking about that it’s fairly good., Many thanks a great deal with regards to displaying. Nagano Tonic

    Reply

  44. As I site possessor I believe the content material here is rattling fantastic , appreciate it for your hard work. You should keep it up forever! Good Luck. https://jun88sv.com/

    Reply

  45. I favor your post. It happens to be exceptional to determine somebody explain in words from a center plus good quality using this type of vital subject theme could possibly be quickly seen. Nagano Tonic

    Reply

  46. Our Girls are accessible for both in-call as well as outcall Girl Service in Zirakpur. They deal with their clients well indeed and give the best agency to them. The rates we charge for our Service are reasonable for each and every individual who wishes to invest energy with a lovely Girl in the city of Zirakpur.

    zirakpur call girl

    Reply

  47. you will get all those beautiful girls who can offer you the most delightful experience of your life. We will help you in getting complete sexual satisfaction. Besides everything, spending time with these beautiful girls will calm your mind and will boost your energy level. You can book our services all the time whenever you need some sexual services.

    call girl in mohali

    Reply

  48. Ludhiana Escort Service is the leading and best escort service in Punjab and neighbouring states. We are offering top-notch escorts of foreign and Indian. Sexual intercourse needs an ideal and romantic ambience.
    Call girls in Ludhiana

    Reply

  49. Procure these babes at your own salvage & ensure 100% satisfaction that is kept remaining unfulfilled in terms of intercourse with housewife or gf. Jalandhar escorts beauties are capable of changing your off mood & tuning your anxiety into turned on mode.

    jalandhar call girls

    Reply

  50. I am impressed. I don’t think Ive met anyone who knows as much about this subject as you do. You are truly well informed and very intelligent. You wrote something that people could understand and made the subject intriguing for everyone. Really, great blog you have got here. AWY Pro APK

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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