Breaking Barriers: Healthcare Access for Low-Income Families and Immigrants

Hi and welcome to the HEAL Blog!

This week, we're digging into something super important and honestly way too overlooked: how hard it is for low-income families and immigrants to access basic healthcare.

Everyone should be able to go to the doctor when they’re sick, get mental health help when they’re struggling, and receive regular check-ups to prevent bigger issues. But in America, that’s not always the case. Your zip code, income level, or even your immigration status can decide how healthy you get to be.

Low-Income Health Access

People living in low-income communities face a lot of obstacles when it comes to getting good medical care. Here are just a few:

• No insurance = high out-of-pocket costs. Many people work jobs that don’t offer health insurance, or they can't afford the plans on the marketplace.

• Transportation issues. No car? No clinic nearby? That’s a major barrier. Public transportation isn't always reliable or safe, especially in rural or underserved areas.

• Fewer clinics in their neighborhoods. Some communities just don't have many (or any) healthcare providers. That means longer wait times and fewer options.

• Mistrust of the system. If you’ve been treated badly or dismissed by doctors in the past (which happens a lot), you’re less likely to go back.

• Work and time constraints. Taking off work to go to the doctor isn't an option for everyone—especially if they don’t get paid time off.

Ways to Improve Access

So what can help?

• Community health clinics and free/low-cost services: These places offer sliding-scale fees based on income.

• Telehealth: If someone has a phone or internet, they might be able to do virtual appointments instead of traveling.

• Policy changes: Expanding Medicaid in all states, increasing funding for community health, and making health insurance more affordable are game-changers.

• Mobile clinics: Vans that go into neighborhoods to provide checkups, vaccines, and screenings? Super effective and helpful.

Immigrant Health Access

If you or your family immigrated to the U.S., this one might hit close to home.

Even though many immigrants work super hard, pay taxes, and contribute so much to their communities, they still often face serious barriers to getting medical help.

Here’s why:

• Fear of deportation or discrimination. Undocumented immigrants might avoid hospitals or clinics out of fear, even in emergencies.

• Language barriers. If a doctor doesn’t speak your language or you don’t understand medical terms, it’s hard to communicate or feel safe.

• Legal limitations. Many immigrants (especially undocumented folks) are not eligible for Medicaid or ACA plans, even if they desperately need coverage.

• Cultural differences or stigma. Talking about mental health, reproductive health, or certain illnesses might feel taboo in some cultures.

• Lack of awareness. Some families don’t even know what services exist or how to get them.

Ways to Improve Access

• Medical interpreters and culturally sensitive care: These are essential. It makes a huge difference when patients feel heard and respected.

• Community-based organizations: Groups run by immigrants for immigrants often know how to connect people with help that’s safe, affordable, and legal.

• Safe clinics: Some health centers don’t ask for immigration status and provide free care no matter what.

• Advocacy for reform: Pushing for expanded coverage, regardless of citizenship status, is key for long-term change.

What Can We Do as Teens?

We’re not policymakers or doctors, but don’t underestimate what you can do right now. Teens have power and a voice that matters.

Here’s how we can help:

1. Educate Yourself & Others

• Learn about how the healthcare system works for different communities.

• Talk to your friends, family, and classmates. Awareness spreads like wildfire.

2. Volunteer or Support Local Clinics

• Look into free clinics, food pantries, or mutual aid groups near you. Even if you can’t give medical help, organizing supplies, translating, or just helping out matters.

3. Use Your Voice

• Write to local representatives. Join (or start!) a youth advocacy group. Attend city council meetings or school board meetings when healthcare topics come up.

• Use social media to share resources and stories. One post could connect someone to a life-saving service.

4. Create or Share Resources

• Make flyers or Google Docs with information about free clinics, telehealth options, or mental health hotlines, especially in multiple languages.

• Start a school campaign for awareness about immigrant health, poverty, or healthcare access in general.

5. Be Kind & Inclusive

• If someone misses school or seems sick often, don’t judge. Ask if they’re okay. Some people don’t have easy access to meds or a doctor.

• Respect different experiences. Health is personal. What’s easy for one person might be a huge challenge for another.

Final Thoughts

Healthcare should not be a privilege. It should be a right.

Low-income families and immigrants deserve the same care, safety, and access as anyone else. These issues are big, but they’re not impossible. We can make things better.

Let’s keep learning, using our voices, and showing up for our communities. Because when one of us is left behind, none of us are truly healthy.

Written and researched by Laylah W

2025 The HEAL Project