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?

55,492 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants

  1. Data Sgp 2024 terlengkap bisa di lihat di situs messipoker sebagai situs pengeluaran sgp dan toto slot 4d tercepat hari ini besutan hkb gaming. Pengeluaran data sgp 2024 tercepat hari ini di situs Data Sgp merupakan salah satu web akurat untuk mengetahui keluaran togel hari ini, disitus Data SGP ini juga menyediakan berbagai prediksi-prediksi yang menarik seperti prediksi paito warna, prediksi shio togel akurat, angka jitu dan angka main semua lengkap. https://kansikai.org/

    Reply

  2. Dingdong togel slot adalah varian terbaru dari permainan dingdong togel dan slot88 online, dimana link login dingdong togel terbaik saat ini hanya ada di messipoker. Login dingdong togel melalui situs messipoker mempunyai banyak keunggulan mulai dari bebas blokir sampai dengan link dingdong togel slot88 gampang Jp hari ini. Messipoker perwakilan resmi situs dingdong togel slot terbaik saat ini juga sebagai penyedia login dingdong togel gampang menang jp resmi hari ini. https://messipoker.org/

    Reply

  3. Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you writing this article and also the rest of
    the site is really good.

    Also visit my webpage … Fantom web wallet

    Reply

  4. 오피스타 또는 OPSTAR 홈페이지에서는 휴식이 필요하고 테라피를 찾는 직장인 , 군인, 사회인을 위해 최고의 휴양지를 쉽게 찾을 수 있게 서비스 하고 있습니다. 오피 외 다양한 종류에 서비스를 제공하는 1등 오피사이트 입니다 오피스타

    Reply

  5. 오피가이드 (OPGUIDE)는 휴게텔 서비스를 전문으로 하는 맞춤형 테라피 정보 사이트 입니다. 다양한 업소를 추천하고 있고 오피 서비스에서는 전문으로 제공 하고 있습니다. 실제 이용 후기를 확인 할 수 있고 간편한 예약 절차를 제공 하고 있습니다 오피가이드

    Reply

  6. 누누티브는 영화와 tv 프로그램을 위한 무료 스트리밍 서비스입니다. 여기에서 무료로 noonoo tv 시즌 2를 온라인으로 읽을 수 있습니다. noonootv는 많은 인기를 얻은 누누티비

    Reply

  7. They’re produced by the very best degree developers who will be distinguished for your polo dress creating. You’ll find polo Ron Lauren inside exclusive array which include particular classes for men, women. 下北沢英会話

    Reply

  8. Thanks for the nice blog. It was very useful for me. I’m happy I found this blog. Thank you for sharing with us,I too always learn something new from your post.

    Reply

  9. I like all the content articles, I really cherished, I would like more information concerning this, due to the fact it is extremely great., Thank you regarding talking about. rtp slot

    Reply

  10. This site has provided news information about the development of sophisticated mothers in Indonesia today, besides that this site also presents more information that you can get on this website. https://ibu2canggih.id/

    Reply

  11. This approach can be how it looks genuinely the most appropriate. Every one involving minute best parts are generally planned with many customs knowledge. I propose it rather a lot. GLUCO6

    Reply

  12. SBOBET is a trusted Bandar Bola Sbobet offering a premium sports betting platform. With extensive markets, competitive odds, and live betting features, it provides an unmatched experience. The platform ensures secure transactions, fast payouts, and 24/7 customer support. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, SBOBET is the ideal choice for sports enthusiasts worldwide.

    Reply

  13. This is the correct weblog for everyone who is would like to learn about this topic. You are aware of much its almost challenging to argue along with you (not that I personally would want…HaHa). You certainly put a different spin on a topic thats been revealed for several years. Fantastic stuff, just great! encanador

    Reply

  14. After study several of the blogs with your website now, i truly much like your strategy for blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark web site list and will be checking back soon. Pls look at my internet site at the same time and make me aware if you agree. cursos a distância

    Reply

  15. There are definitely a variety of details like that to take into consideration. That is a great point to carry up. I offer the ideas above as normal inspiration however clearly there are questions just like the one you convey up where crucial thing will be working in sincere good faith. I don?t know if best practices have emerged around things like that, however I am certain that your job is clearly recognized as a fair game. Both boys and girls really feel the impact of just a second’s pleasure, for the rest of their lives. https://typhu88b.baby

    Reply

  16. SemutToto is a site or commonly called an online betting agent that provides various types of betting games. This online betting site is also one of the best online betting agents that you can play on Google or the like. https://tembus88jp.com/

    Reply

  17. Have you ever thought about including a little bit more than just your articles?
    I mean, what you say is valuable and all. But think
    about if you added some great visuals or videos to give your posts more, “pop”!
    Your content is excellent but with images and clips, this blog could certainly be one of the greatest in its field.

    Awesome blog!

    my web page :: Visit Your URL

    Reply

  18. you are actually a just right webmaster. The web site loading velocity is amazing. It seems that you are doing any distinctive trick. Furthermore, The contents are masterpiece. you have performed a fantastic process in this subject! Prishtina Travel QUIETUM PLUS

    Reply

  19. It’s remarkable to pay a visit this site and reading the views of all mates concerning this paragraph, while I am also
    zealous of getting familiarity.

    my web site Live Draw HK

    Reply

  20. If some one wishes expert view on the topic of running
    a blog after that i recommend him/her to visit this
    website, Keep up the fastidious job.

    my blog … bitcoin cash

    Reply

  21. For example, Sam Goode (Callan McAluiffe)is the nerd that believes in aliens and gets picked on for it and has a step dad who is abusive towards him. QUIETUM PLUS

    Reply

  22. 먹튀프렌즈에서는 토토사이트, 카지노사이트, 메이저사이트를 완벽히 먹튀검증한 안전놀이터만을 추천해 드리고 있습니다. 이제 먹튀검증사이트에서 믿을 수 있는 베팅 환경을 제공하며, 최고의 사이트를 선별해 드립니다. 토토사이트

    Reply

  23. 신뢰할 수 있는 메이저사이트에서 안전하게 카지노사이트, 슬롯사이트, 바카라사이트를 즐기세요. 철저한 먹튀검증을 거친 사이트만을 추천하여 먹튀 피해를 예방하고 안심할 수 있는 베팅 환경을 제공합니다. 카지노사이트

    Reply

  24. All the contents you mentioned in post is too good and can be very useful. I will keep it in mind, thanks for sharing the information keep updating, looking forward for more posts.Thanks Coyyn

    Reply

  25. This amazing appears to be altogether recommended. Each smallish data are intended and also massive amount back ground awareness. I prefer this unique very much. DF999

    Reply

  26. This valuable appears to be like utterly preferred. Every single one of small to medium sized details manufactured using lots of the past becoming familiar with. I need this approach a tremendous amount. DF999

    Reply

  27. I found this is an informative and interesting post so i think so it is very useful and knowledgeable. I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. 링크모음

    Reply

  28. Someone Sometimes with visits your blog regularly and recommended it in my experience to read as well. The way of writing is excellent and also the content is top-notch. Thanks for that insight you provide the readers! 주소모아 사이트

    Reply

  29. Our team is dedicated to ensuring a discreet and safe environment, recognizing the paramount importance of safeguarding your privacy. Your privacy is our foremost concern when utilizing our Mayur Vihar Escorts Service , allowing you to unwind.

    Reply

  30. I enjoy your own personal distribute. It really is fantastic to ascertain someone describe inside terms inside the heart along with quality concerning this crucial matter could possibly be quickly seen. Zencortex

    Reply

  31. Gacor slot site maxwin JARI4D, the best and most trusted Hong Kong HK lottery betting site in Indonesia, offers a variety of the most complete online slot games. The unique and attractive appearance and graphics will amaze you when playing. In addition, the list of alternative links to the Hong Kong HK lottery data site provided makes the registration and login process on this best and most trusted online lottery site very easy. So, dont hesitate to register and enjoy the experience only on this website. https://jari4dslotgacor.com/

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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