Ventanillas de Salud: Defeating challenges in healthcare access for Mexican immigrants in the United States

Abstract

The 2010 Affordable Care Act (ACA) improved access to healthcare in the United States. However, immigrants —especially those undocumented— still faced difficulties, which have increased during the Trump administration. In order to bring access to health services to its nationals, the Mexican government has implemented the Health Windows Program (Ventanillas de Salud, or VDS). The article reviews changes in the U.S. healthcare system from the ACA to date, and assesses the role of VDS. The methodology is qualitative, consisting of a literature review, interviews with community leaders and Mexican government officials, and questionnaires sent to four VDS: Arizona, Florida, Idaho and Texas. Results show that VDS provide reliable and affordable access to basic healthcare services, and detection of chronic and non-communicable diseases, especially within undocumented immigrants. Public policy recommendations are offered based on these findings. Limitations of the study include the data collected, which is non-representative of all VDS.

Migration as a determinant of childhood obesity in the United States and Latin America

“…In 2015, about 300,000 annual referrals were performed, corresponding to about 20% of those visiting the VDS. 40 While these services are mainly individually-based, the VDS have increasingly been partnering with local community outreach organizations that extend to other layers of the ecological model working with migrant households and the communities in which they are embedded. 44,45 Such partnerships allow combining the outreach capacity of the community organizations and the cultural sensitiveness and trustfulness of the VDS.…”

“…The scoping review revealed that the VDS offers three types of services: (i) healthy lifestyles information and counseling; (ii) immunizations and early detection based on free basic screening tests; and (iii) referral to community clinics with affordable prices. 38 , 40 , 41 In this sense, the VDS model acknowledges the self‐identity and traditions of migrants, as well as the structural influences that shape beliefs and health‐seeking behaviors. In terms of the information and counseling services, these are provided in Spanish, in a trusted physical environment and through culturally sensitive means.…”

“…Approximately 70% of its users are uninsured and are more likely to be undocumented. 40 Referrals to affordable community clinics are significant service as the anti‐migrant rhetoric, and the new public charge rules have increased fear while making health services access more difficult. 42 , 43 Hence, getting a referral from a trusted source is crucial.…”

“…In 2015, about 300,000 annual referrals were performed, corresponding to about 20% of those visiting the VDS. 40 …”

“…The model responds to different structural barriers such as lack of insurance, fear of deportation, and stigma. Approximately 70% of its users are uninsured and are more likely to be undocumented 40 . Referrals to affordable community clinics are significant service as the anti‐migrant rhetoric, and the new public charge rules have increased fear while making health services access more difficult 42,43 .…”