Flaws in U.S. Health System Imperils Immigrants
Korea Times, News Report, Translated by Aruna Lee, Posted: Aug 17, 2004
NEW YORK, N.Y. -- Like many immigrants Moon Chul Sun came to New York City from his native South Korea seeking a better life for his family. On July 7, just ten months after his arrival in America and four months after he was joined by his wife and three children, Moon died, the result of a head injury he received while playing soccer.
Because they couldn’t speak English and had no health insurance, the family could not obtain the medical services needed to save Moon’s life.
Efforts are also being made to ensure that other immigrant families do not encounter the same fate as the Moon's. The Korea Times New York edition has published a list of hospitals where low income or illegal immigrants can find medical assistance, including interpreters for those who do not speak English.
Addressing the nation's flawed medical system, Assemblyman Barry S. Grodenchik said, "My heart goes out to Moon's family." The assemblyman sent a letter to Department of Health Commissioner Antonia C. Novello, emphasizing the tragedy of Moon's death and the need to address the language barrier in America's medical system.
Illustrating the "cracks" in the nation's medical system, Moon's wife tearfully explained to reporters their family's month long ordeal in seeking medical aid. "We couldn't help him because we couldn't speak English and we couldn't afford the medical fees."
Last June Moon, here on a tourist visa, was hit by a ball during a soccer match, injuring his head. After initial treatment at Jamaica hospital in Queens, which showed blood build up in Moon's brain, the Moons would return to the hospital three more times over the next two weeks for more tests after Moon's head pains had not gone away. They struggled to understand much of the advice given to them. They said the translator spoke little Korean.
Moon was then presented with a bill of $4,500 and told hospital officials he could not pay.
When offered the option of Medicaid, the family declined. Moon also feared deportation. He had earlier applied to extend his tourist (B-2) visa, but never learned from the INS whether his application had been processed or not. Uninsured and unable to communicate with doctors the Moon family was unaware of their rights as immigrants and at a loss to discover the severity of Moon's injury.
In the end Moon succumbed to his injury, leaving behind his wife and three children. "We came to America to give our children a chance at a better education, but now I don't know how I'm going to survive without him," his wife said.
Members of the Korean community have been rallying in support of the Moon family. The Korean Community Services Center (KCS) in New York has been organizing to raise money for the Moon family. In addition the Korean ambassador in New York and the Korean American Woman's Network has joined in the effort to support the Moon family.
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Tough Times for Translators; S.F. Hospital May Cut Interpreters
Study Urges More Research on Health Needs of South Asians in U.S.
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