Posted on 46,399 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?

46,399 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants”

  1. The Doodle featured the original game’s design, complete with the iconic ghosts: Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde. It was a fun nod to gaming history and quickly became popular, drawing in many players who enjoyed reliving the nostalgia of the classic game. Pacman Doodle

    Reply

  2. We have a very interesting new site that has been designed with very easy wins in getting a very super maxwin jackpot, now for those of you who want to try playing it, you only need to click on our website here and you can play it easily obral4d

    Reply

  4. Excelente post. ¡Estaba revisando constantemente este blog y estoy impresionado!
    Información muy útil, especialmente la última parte 🙂 카지노 사이트 추천 Me preocupo mucho por esa información.
    Estuve buscando esta información en particular durante mucho tiempo. Agradecer
    tú y buena suerte.

    Reply

  10. You actually make it appear so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be actually one thing that I think I might never understand.
    It sort of feels too complex and very extensive for me.
    I’m looking ahead in your next post, I’ll attempt to get the hold of it!

    Also visit my web-site Tubidy

    Reply

  11. I was curious if you ever thought of changing the
    page layout of your website? Its very well written; I love
    what youve got to say. But maybe you could a little more in the way
    of content so people could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having 1 or
    2 pictures. Maybe you could space it out better?

    Feel free to surf to my blog – Günstige CNC-Maschinen mit Installation und Service

    Reply

  12. This particular is usually apparently essential and moreover outstanding truth along with for sure fair-minded and moreover admittedly useful My business is looking to find in advance designed for this specific useful stuffs… https://jgtv24.com

    Reply

  15. 이러한 유형의 콘텐츠를 더 많은 저자가 연구하고 글을 잘 쓰는 데 시간이 걸리 길 바랍니다. 저는 당신의 비전과 통찰력에 깊은 인상을 받았습니다. 베팅의민족

    Reply

  25. Zeesy, located in Pakistan, offers some of the finest artificial jewellery in Pakistan, perfect for adding elegance to any look. Their collection blends traditional and modern designs, making it easy to find pieces that suit every occasion, from casual wear to weddings. The quality and attention to detail in their jewellery truly stand out, making Zeesy a top choice for those looking for stylish yet affordable artificial jewellery options in Pakistan.

    Reply

  27. I delight in, result in I discovered exactly what I used
    to be having a look for. You’ve ended my 4 day long hunt!
    God Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye

    Feel free to visit my web blog slot cars

    Reply

  28. Zeesy, based in Pakistan, has an incredible collection of bangles for women that perfectly combine elegance and tradition. Their designs range from classic to contemporary, catering to every style and occasion. Each piece reflects beautiful craftsmanship, making Zeesy a top choice for women looking to enhance their jewellery collection with stunning bangles.

    Reply

  29. Miami Jackets delivers the ultimate fusion of sun-soaked style and exceptional quality, crafting outerwear that captures the essence of Miami’s vibrant energy. Stay chic and cozy with our distinctive, high-fashion jackets.

    Reply

  32. Dewi128 Its existence can be a solution for those who want to experience the sensation of playing lottery with affordable minimum bets.

    Reply

  35. Dinasti69 Promo dan bonus-bonus seperti bonus cashback kekalahan, bonus rollingan, bonus referral mengajak teman, dll akan memanjakan para member setiap harinya

    Reply

  39. Kay4d kami memahami bahwa kemudahan dan keamanan dalam metode pembayaran adalah hal yang sangat penting bagi para pemain Game Online online

    Reply

  46. Pix4d memiliki beberapa keunggulan yang membuatnya menonjol dibandingkan platform Game Online lainnya

    Reply

  49. Heya i am for the first time here. I found this board and I to find It truly helpful & it helped me out a lot.

    I’m hoping to present something again and help others like you
    aided me.

    Feel free to surf to my web page เว็บตรง

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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