o Unpaid hospital bills can jeopardize your property. Most people born and raised in this country are aware that hospitals can place liens on homes, but many recent immigrants do not realize how this can happen. Therefore, they need to be taught that health insurance is essential in securing their property, and that their families should be insured before they buy a house.
o Emergency rooms are for emergencies. Many Spanish speakers see the emergency room as a fallback option when a health issue seems relatively serious. They do not always realize that this is the most expensive option, both for themselves as patients and for hospitals. It is important to explain the role of a primary care physician and the value of preventative care.
o In order to purchase many medications in this country, a patient needs a prescription signed by a doctor. In much of Latin America, pharmacists dispense drugs that would require a prescription here. Spanish speakers need to be taught that they will need to visit a physician and in order to purchase many medicines they are accustomed to buying straight from a pharmacy in their home countries.
o Large debt, even when it is forgiven, can prevent immigrants from sponsoring family members to come to the United States. This issue is of extreme importance to immigrants, and many have no idea that they are taking this risk. Although hospitals, especially public ones, will often absorb the loss from unpaid bills by low-income patients, Spanish speakers need to know that if they have a family member they would like to bring to this country — even for a short visit — they are not out of the woods when this debt is forgiven. The unpaid debt will go on their credit records, and they will be unable to demonstrate to the government's satisfaction that they can support another family member. Thus the relatives even of naturalized citizens can be denied an entry visa.

Instant Insights /

Health insurance for Spanish speakers

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