Posted on 42,991 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?

42,991 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants”

  2. PG SLOTPARTY เป็นแหล่งรวมเกมสล็อต PG ที่นำเสนอความสนุกและความท้าทายที่ไม่มีที่สิ้นสุด

    Reply

  4. When i understand this post. I’m sure People fit lots of exertion for making this post. I’m keen on your job.
    Abtaha

    Reply

  6. I have to show some thanks to you for rescuing me from this particular predicament. Because of surfing around through the world wide web and coming across concepts that were not powerful, I was thinking my entire life was done. Living without the solutions to the difficulties you’ve sorted out as a result of this posting is a serious case, as well as ones that would have adversely damaged my entire career if I hadn’t encountered your website. Your expertise and kindness in maneuvering everything was important. I don’t know what I would have done if I hadn’t encountered such a subject like this. I can also now look ahead to my future. Thanks for your time so much for this reliable and results-oriented guide. I will not think twice to refer the blog to any person who should have recommendations on this problem. nitric boost

    Reply

  7. I think this is a really good article. You make this information interesting and engaging. You give readers a lot to think about and I appreciate that kind of writing. methspin register

    Reply

  8. Very good written article. It will be supportive to anyone who utilizes it, including me. Keep doing what you are doing – can’r wait to read more posts. methspin

    Reply

  11. สัมผัสประสบการณ์เดิมพันออนไลน์ที่ดีที่สุดกับ Luna999! เพลิดเพลินไปกับเกมหลากหลาย ไม่ว่าจะเป็นคาสิโนสด สล็อต หรือกีฬา ร่วมสนุกและรับโบนัสมากมายทุกวัน! สมัครวันนี้ รับเครดิตฟรีทันที! luna999

    Reply

  12. 🎉 เปิดประสบการณ์ใหม่ในการเล่นเกมเดิมพันกับเว็บตรงที่มั่นคง! 💰 พร้อมโปรโมชั่นสุดพิเศษและโบนัสต้อนรับมากมาย สนุกกับเกมหลากหลายประเภทและระบบฝาก-ถอนที่รวดเร็ว ไม่ต้องรอนาน มาร่วมเป็นส่วนหนึ่งของเราวันนี้! 🚀 เว็บตรง

    Reply

  14. The SE IFAK Trauma Kit is a robust first aid solution designed to handle a wide range of emergency scenarios. With a focus on massive hemorrhage and circulatory care, respiratory management, and hypothermia treatment, this kit is a must-have for anyone looking to be prepared. Emergency Response Kit

    Reply

  15. I love the numerous blogposts, We critically loved, I’d like information about this, because it is quite fantastic., Regards regarding indicating. ezyspin

    Reply

  17. Immediately this specific website may possibly irrefutably turn out celebrated involving every single producing a lot of people, as a consequence of careful content along with testimonials along with evaluations. ezyspin

    Reply

  18. What a fantabulous post this has been. Never seen this kind of colossal post. I’m appreciative to you and expect more number of posts like these. Appreciative. jetbett

    Reply

  19. Enter text and easily create AI images with FLUX.1 dev online for free.
    FLUX.1 dev represents an impressive array of Flux AI models developed by Black Forest Labs. Unleash your creative potential with FLUX 1.1 Pro, FLUX.1 Pro, FLUX.1 Dev, and FLUX.1 Schnell for free online.https://fluxdev.net/

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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