Eight million Americans signed up for health care under the Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as Obamacare.
For many its the first time they’ve had insurance.
The Philadelphia Inquirer along with Kaiser Health News reports many Asian immigrants are now finding it difficult to navigate the system.
Non-profits like Southeast Asian Mutual Assistance Association Coalition (SEAMAAC) in South Philadelphia are working to make the transition easier.
“Just try explaining the tier concept,” said Michael Donnelly, SEAMAAC’s health coordinator. “If you speak perfect English and lived in this country 20 years, you are going to have trouble” grasping it.”
Even something like finding a doctor in the provider network, understanding the billing, or making an appointment for just a routine check up can be difficult.
“Preventative medicine is a tough concept for most people in developing nations,” said said Thoai Nguyen, SEAMAAC’s chief executive officer.. “The idea of going for an annual checkup when you’re not sick is strange to them. You only go [to a doctor] when it is possibly a matter of life and death.”
