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?

46,441 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants

  1. This article is a drawing in overflow of enlightening data that is beguiling and brilliantly made. I see your consistent exertion on this and thank you for this information. You have the stuff to plainly stand enough restricted to be observed. https://firesaleco.com/

    Reply

  2. Thank you again for all the knowledge you distribute,Good post. I was very interested in the article, it’s quite inspiring I should admit. I like visiting you site since I always come across interesting articles like this one.Great Job, I greatly appreciate that.Do Keep sharing! Regards, Dallas copier

    Reply

  3. With havin so much written content do you ever run into any issues of plagorism or copyright violation? My
    blog has a lot of completely unique content I’ve
    either written myself or outsourced but it appears a
    lot of it is popping it up all over the web without my permission.
    Do you know any solutions to help prevent content from being
    ripped off? I’d genuinely appreciate it.

    my web-site :: over at this website

    Reply

  4. “I just started using Tonic Greens, and I love how energized I feel throughout the day! It’s such an easy way to get my daily veggies in.”Tonic Greens

    Reply

  5. I like the helpful information you provide in your articles.
    I’ll bookmark your weblog and check again here regularly.

    I am quite sure I’ll learn many new stuff right here!
    Good luck for the next!

    Also visit my page :: bet88

    Reply

  6. Im no professional, but I think you just made the best point. You naturally comprehend what youre speaking about, and I can seriously get behind that. Thanks for staying so upfront and so truthful. https://88clbg.com/

    Reply

  7. You have performed a great job on this article.It’s very precise and highly qualitative. You have even managed to make it readable and easy to read. You have some real writing talent. Thank you so much. 온라인카지노

    Reply

  8. By visiting our site, you will gain exclusive access to the latest and most popular online games designed to provide an immersive entertainment experience, complete with interactive features and a solid community, ensuring that every gaming session is always satisfying and challenging. Therefore, if you want to know more information, please visit our website https://kulidesa.com/

    Reply

  9. abigail james is such an inspiration! Her approach to skincare and wellness is truly refreshing. I love how she emphasizes the importance of holistic beauty and self-care. The tips she shares are practical and easy to incorporate into daily routines. I’m especially interested in her advice on incorporating natural ingredients—it’s a game changer! Thanks for highlighting her work!”

    Reply

  10. You’ll notice several contrasting points from New york Weight reduction eating plan and every one one may be useful. The first point will probably be authentic relinquishing on this excessive. lose weight kudasakti168

    Reply

  11. Thanks for the effective article, Welcome to Starmax Pipes & Fittings, where plumbing solutions are provided with a blend of creativity and dependability. Being one of the top producers of UPVC pipes in India, we take great satisfaction in offering products of the highest caliber that redefine efficiency and durability. We provide UPVC pipes and fittings that surpass industry standards while meeting a variety of commercial and residential applications. We are dedicated to quality in what we do. Experience the difference by working with Starmax Pipes & Fittings, your reliable resource for top-notch plumbing solutions in India.
    For More Info: https://www.starmaxpipes.com/upvc-pipes-and-fittings

    Reply

  12. I would like to thank you for the efforts you have put in penning this site.

    I’m hoping to view the same high-grade content from you later on as well.
    In truth, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to
    get my very own site now 😉

    my web blog: xxx

    Reply

  13. Our models and call girls service in lahore are bold, beautiful with sexy body shapes. They are not ashamed of flaunting their beautiful shapes. No man can resist them because they are extremely charming and seductive. They are always ready to satisfy you with all these endowed bodies and make you want to come back for more of the erotic moment and pleasure.

    Reply

  14. Feel the true essence of sensual bliss with the most amazing models that should bring you to your way. It’s time for you to find our exclusive Karachi Escorts effortlessly. Now these girls are available to you with cash and delivery. This experience is going to be very convenient as you will be free from the hassles of online payments or card payments. Since our lovely girls are available to you with cash payments, there is no need for any kind of advance.

    Reply

  15. 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. video only online drivers ed Texas

    Reply

  16. Very good topic, similar texts are I do not know if they are as good as your work out. These you will then see the most important thing, the application provides you a website a powerful important internet page: 미니게임

    Reply

  17. Our call girls of lahore are bold, beautiful with sexy body shapes. They are not ashamed of flaunting their beautiful shapes. No man can resist them because they are extremely charming and seductive. They are always ready to satisfy you with all these endowed bodies and make you want to come back for more of the erotic moment and pleasure.

    Reply

  18. كار باركينج مهكرة: تجربة فريدة لمحبي ألعاب القيادة، حيث تقدم النسخة المهكرة مزايا إضافية تجعل اللعبة أكثر تحديًا وواقعية. كار باركينج مهكره

    Reply

  19. TaalimoMaroc – تعليمُ المغرب

    موقع تعليم المغرب يعتبر موقع تعليمي يقدم : مستجدات، جذاذات، دروس و ملخصات، فروض و امتحانات، مباريات، وثائق تربوية.

    إليك نظرة عامة على ما نقدمه:
    https://www.taalimomaroc.com/

    #تعليم_المغرب
    #دروس
    #ملخصات

    Reply

  20. 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. win55bet.top

    Reply

  21. Τhiѕ is my second visit to this blog. I am thinking about starting a brand new blog in tһe same categorу.
    Your blog provided me with thoughts to work with.
    (Dont worгy, Ӏ wont be copying you :)) You have done a fantastiс job.

    Feel free to visit my webpаge: Breaking News RSS Recap: Poland

    Reply

  22. Thanks for taking the time to discuss that, I feel strongly about this and so really like getting to know more on this kind of field. Do you mind updating your blog post with additional insight? It should be really useful for all of us. alexistogel

    Reply

  23. Quite insightful post. Never believed that it was this simple after all. I had spent a very good deal of my time looking for someone to explain this topic clearly and you’re the only one that ever did that. Kudos to you! Keep it up https://hitclubs.lat/

    Reply

  24. Can I simply say exactly what a relief to locate a person that actually knows what theyre referring to over the internet. You definitely understand how to bring a difficulty to light making it important. More and more people have to check this out and appreciate this side in the story. I cant believe youre less well-known since you certainly hold the gift. https://33wina1.com/

    Reply

  25. Hi I am so delighted I found your blog page, I really found you by accident, while I was browsing on Yahoo for something else, Anyways I am here now and would just like to say cheers for a incredible post and a all round interesting blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to look over it all at the minute but I have saved it and also added in your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read more, Please do keep up the excellent job. Trang Chủ PG88

    Reply

  26. The heart of your writing whilst appearing agreeable in the beginning, did not sit perfectly with me after some time. Someplace throughout the paragraphs you actually were able to make me a believer but just for a while. I still have got a problem with your leaps in assumptions and you would do well to fill in all those gaps. When you actually can accomplish that, I would surely end up being fascinated. Link trang chủ w88

    Reply

  27. I would like to add if you do not now have an insurance policy or you do not belong to any group insurance, you could possibly well make use of seeking the aid of a health insurance broker. Self-employed or individuals with medical conditions normally seek the help of an health insurance broker. Thanks for your post. Link trang chủ w88

    Reply

  28. Me gustaría decir lo que una ayuda para encontrar a alguien que sabe realmente lo que son hablar acerca de internet. Definitivamente sabe consejos transmitir un problema a la luz y hacer importantes. Más individuos deben leer y comprender este aspecto de la historia. No puedo considero youre no más común porque tiene sin duda el regalo. Trang Chủ PG88

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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