Learn how to go to the doctor in the United States, how the health system works and how to apply to the Insurance Market.
Como migrante en Estados Unidos, conseguir atención médica puede parecer una tarea complicada. Por una parte, el sistema de salud en el país no brinda cobertura de salud universal, y por otra, cuenta con diversos programas de atención médica disponibles incluso para inmigrantes legales.
How does the health system work in the United States?
Unlike countries in Latin America, where it is common for governments to have a social security system that provides access to universal or low-cost health care, in the United States medical care is not free, but mandatory, and has different public programs for the health care of the population.
Al ser obligatorio, las personas que no sean beneficiarios de programas como Medicare, Medicaid, entre otros y no se afilien a una compañía de seguros pueden ser multados.
What is the Health Insurance Marketplace?
Despite not having a universal health coverage system, the United States has the Affordable Care Act, which supports families and individuals in obtaining health insurance regardless of their income or medical history. .
Through the Health Insurance Market it is possible to find and buy specialized medical coverage policies, for example, in dental or visual health, as well as obtain discounts on medicines and hospital services.
The Insurance Marketplace is available to people who live in the United States and are citizens, permanent residents, or have legal presence in the country. Learn more about eligibility at the following link: https://www.cuidadodesalud.gov/es/quick-guide/eligibility/
Medical care for immigrants
Undocumented immigrants can access health services despite not having health insurance. Search for health centers near your town, through the following public tool: https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/.
Medical professionals should not ask or request information about the immigration status of undocumented immigrants, since it is not a condition for denying medical attention.
The Mexican Ministry of Foreign Relations (SRE) recommends and classifies the health units available in the United States. For instance:
- Community clinics: As explained by the SRE: "They are the best place to receive medical attention in the case of common illnesses, minor injuries or need routine examinations." In addition, in some cases they offer dental and mental health care.
- Outpatient clinics: These are located in chain pharmacies such as CVS or Walgreens and provide care services for common illnesses. The cost of care is low.
- Private practices, urgent care centers and hospital emergency roomsThese offer very high costs of care, however, depending on the severity of the case, the last two options are the only alternative to receive appropriate medical care.
SRE
https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/atlanta/images/stories/actividades/2015/08/enfermoeuaguia.pdf
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