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Medical Repatriation in Vermont: The Current Landscape and Recommendations
Dominque, Olivia Knight, Kelly Krishnan, Aathmika Little, Kassondra Maxim, Clara Toro Alvarez, Sofia Urie, Patti Smith Pasanen, Mark MacLean, Charles
Dominque, Olivia
Knight, Kelly
Krishnan, Aathmika
Little, Kassondra
Maxim, Clara
Toro Alvarez, Sofia
Urie, Patti Smith
Pasanen, Mark
MacLean, Charles
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Abstract
Background: Medical repatriation is the practice of returning patients to their country of origin when they have major medical problems. Forced repatriation, or “medical deportation”, disproportionately affects undocumented individuals. This project aimed to assess the prevalence of medical repatriation in Vermont, identity factors that lead to it, and recommendations to prevent it. Methods: Interviews were conducted with ten stakeholders including physicians, lawmakers, and advocates for undocumented patients. Team members then analyzed interview transcripts for major themes. Results: This study did not uncover any occurrences of forced repatriation. Qualitative themes included: lack of awareness about medical repatriation, inability to track medical repatriation, social/legal barriers to care among undocumented individuals, and suggestions to prevent medical repatriation. This work also revealed current legislative initiatives focused on healthcare for undocumented individuals. Conclusion: Medical repatriation is not prevalent in Vermont. However, the increasing number of Vermonters with varying legal statuses in conjunction with rising hospital costs may precipitate economic stressors that put vulnerable patients at higher risk for forced repatriation. Moving forward, efforts may focus on protecting against this event with more inclusive health care coverage and improved clinician awareness about available assistance programs.
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Date
2022-01-01