Posted on 45,407 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?

45,407 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants”

  2. I like the helpful information you provide in your articles. I’ll bookmark your weblog and check again here regularly. I’m quite certain I will learn lots of new stuff right here! Best of luck for the next! vanilla gifts

    Reply

  3. Just article, We liked its style and content. I discovered this blog on Yahoo and also have now additional it to my personal bookmarks. I’ll be certain to visit once again quickly. typhu88

    Reply

  13. Access to preventative care is such a crucial issue—emergency services alone can’t address long-term health needs. Programs like Child Health Plus pure shayari are a step forward, but it feels like there’s still a significant gap for many.

    Reply

  14. Nous adoptons une approche innovante et holistique pour restaurer l’équilibre, la beauté et le bien-être. Grâce à une gamme complète de procédures esthétiques minimalement invasives, de soins spa de luxe et de produits haut de gamme soigneusement sélectionnés, notre équipe de professionnels dévoués est là pour vous offrir une expérience exceptionnelle. Redécouvrez la confiance en vous et laissez nous vous guider vers un éclat renouvelé. photorajeunisement

    Reply

  17. I like prefer to reports, Generate liked, I will have a preference for extra information and facts making use of this, great deal of thought is particularly eye-catching., Bless you actually devised for crafting. https://gamebaihitclub.com/

    Reply

  18. Hey there! Quick question that’s totally off topic.
    Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly?
    My blog looks weird when viewing from my iphone4.
    I’m trying to find a theme or plugin that might be able to resolve this problem.
    If you have any suggestions, please share. Thank you!

    Here is my site – yua mikami

    Reply

  19. I’m impressed, I have to admit. Genuinely rarely can i encounter a weblog that’s both educative and entertaining, and without a doubt, you could have hit the nail about the head. Your notion is outstanding; the catch is an element that inadequate persons are speaking intelligently about. I’m very happy we stumbled across this in my seek out something concerning this. https://rr88.tech/

    Reply

  20. Aside from the standard penned blogging site feedback, you will also come across some audio feedback for a web site. Whatever your occupation is, you will uncover back links from the blogging site feedback for a myriad of blogs. The blogs are even composed for just a certain occupation. nhà cái RR88

    Reply

  21. I had an amazing experience with Safe Responsible Movers. They were fast, careful, and super professional. It’s hard to find movers this good in Massachusetts. They made my moving day worry-free. Highly recommend them for anyone needing reliable movers! Safe Responsible Movers

    Reply

  22. Ephedra is definitely the the greatest fat loss dietary supplement available in the market. There isn’t a weight loss pill, that operates superior to Ephedrine. If you wish to obtain Ephedra, kindly visit the Buy Ephedra web-site. nhà cái RR88

    Reply

  23. Easily this page will probably irrefutably possibly be well known involving many blogs persons, to its diligent articles or blog posts or maybe opinions. GLUCO 6

    Reply

  24. Magnificent beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your site,
    how can i subscribe for a blog site? The account aided me a acceptable
    deal. I had been tiny bit acquainted of this
    your broadcast offered bright clear concept

    My web blog – Main profile

    Reply

  25. It is besides an ideal piece of writing i just absolutely cherished contemplating. Its nope day-to-day i just support the successful opportunity to observe an item. RR88

    Reply

  26. Upgradability Future-proofed design allows additional features or accessories.Multi-Platform: Operates across diverse systems or devices with minimal adjustments. RR88

    Reply

  27. That are most certainly awesome. A great number of tiny details are designed needing lot of qualifications ability. We’re attracted in the piece many. RR88

    Reply

  28. patek philippe nautilus fake

    Best patek philippe replica products from PPF Factory Check our fake patek models We are supplying patek philippe super clone
    #To know about more visit our website: https://www.ppffactory.com/

    Reply

  29. A formidable share, I just given this onto a colleague who was doing a little analysis on this. And he in truth bought me breakfast as a result of I discovered it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the deal with! But yeah Thnkx for spending the time to debate this, I feel strongly about it and love studying more on this topic. If possible, as you become expertise, would you thoughts updating your weblog with more details? It is extremely useful for me. Large thumb up for this blog post! Tonic Greens

    Reply

  30. I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself? Plz reply back as I’m looking to create my own blog and would like to know wheere u got this from. thanks typhu88

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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