The Status of Newcomers’ Access to Healthcare

One of the greatest challenges newcomers have to face when they are displaced is access to healthcare. While the United Nations Refugee Agency’s 1951 Convention declares that newcomers must have access to healthcare of the same level as the median native population, this is rarely ever the case. Often, newcomers are burdened with a higher need for care compared to other demographics. Migration can lead to the development of malnutrition due to a lack of resources. This is attributed towards greater infection rates of diseases. Displacement is also commonly the reason behind many mental health issues such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

The federal government claims newcomers are not eligible for Medicaid, and the Office of Refugee Resettlement only provides medical assistance for the first few months of resettlement. However, with the help from community-based non-governmental organizations, these issues can be addressed. The Sacramento Support Center partners with many of these organizations in order to connect them with newcomers who might seek aid. Our locally based partners have decades of experience meeting needs specific to our area. Sacramento is predicted to see a great influx of migrants in the coming ten years, and our project is ready to address their needs head on.