Health
care in the United States includes a variety of systems offering
different types of services. It is important that you ask your
resettlement agency for information on health care in your
community.
Soon
after arrival in the U.S., you and your family may be contacted
to arrange for a preventive health screening. The purpose of
this screening is to identify and treat any health problem
which may interfere with your resettlement, including your
ability to obtain employment or attend classes. The screening,
which is free of charge, may be at a public health office,
a community health center, or a doctor's office.
In
the U.S., each individual, not the government, is generally
responsible for paying for health services. The cost of health
care is high, so most people rely on insurance programs, often
through their employer.
Health
insurance can be obtained for a monthly payment. Some employers
offer insurance and may pay all or part of the monthly payment.
There is usually a waiting period from the time you are hired
until you become eligible for health insurance. There are many
insurance companies offering different types of programs. Health
maintenance organizations (HMOs) are an increasingly common
form of insurance program. Through this system, care is provided
by a group of private doctors and clinics. Each member of an
HMO has an assigned doctor who provides primary care and must
approve any visits to emergency rooms, hospitals, or specialists.
In some situations, the full cost of medical care will be paid
by the insurance company; in others you will be required to
pay part of the costs.
To
assist people with low incomes, there are government programs
which cover some medical expenses. The government programs
described here may be changing. Ask staff at your resettlement
agency to help you obtain accurate, up-to-date information
about health services available to you.
Refugees
are eligible to apply for Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA)
or Medicaid at a designated local government office. Both programs
pay for medical care for people with low incomes. Applicants
must complete a form (or forms) that require proof of income
and other personal information.
Health
care services are different in every community. In most cases,
an appointment is required for medical, dental, or mental health
care. You will need to learn about the health services available
in your community, some of which are described below.
The
Public Health Department Most offices provide immunizations
against diseases and offer other preventive health services,
including testing and treatment for tuberculosis. For
refugees, these services are free or very inexpensive.
Parents should be sure to check with the Public Health
Department about immunizations for their children. All
children enrolling in public school must submit proof
of receiving required immunizations.
Private
doctors These physicians provide general and specialized
health care. The doctor's office usually requires proof
of ability to pay or insurance information at the time
of appointment. Some doctors work as part of a private
clinic or in a group with other general practitioners
and specialists.
Community
clinics or health centers These are supported by
government and private sources. They accept private insurance
and Medicaid, or charge fees based on the uninsured patient's
income.
Hospitals These
institutions may be found in almost every American community.
Doctors or clinics refer patients with special problems
to the hospital for tests and surgery. Hospital care is
expensive, and hospitals require proof of insurance or
ability to pay for those services.
Emergency
rooms These facilities in hospitals or elsewhere
are for sudden, extreme health problems. Often busy,
emergency rooms require no appointment, but a long wait
may be necessary. For most health problems, you should
call or make an appointment with a doctor. Use the emergency
room only when absolutely necessary. Emergency care is
usually provided regardless of your insurance or ability
to pay.
Ambulance
service This service provides transportation and
medical help when needed immediately and there is no
other way to take the injured or sick person to receive
emergency medical care. Ambulance services usually charge
a fee after service has been provided.
Dental
care This is provided through private dentists and
through clinics. Free or low-cost dental services are
rare, but may be available through public health or community
clinics. Not all health insurance plans include coverage
for dental services.
Mental
health care This can be provided through private
doctors and therapists and through clinics. Some mental
health services may be available through mutual assistance
associations and family service agencies. Some resettlement
agencies provide counseling services and can help you
find other mental health services.
