Reducing Barriers, Improving Outcomes: Using Federal Opportunities to Expand Health Care Access for Individuals with Limited English Proficiency
JULY 2023
National Immigration Law Center
Background
The United States’ health care system consistently fails people whose primary language is not English, frequently known as individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP).
These breakdowns result in increases in both unnecessary care due to misdiagnoses and poor health outcomes.
Luckily, there are clear and actionable policy interventions that Congress and federal agencies can take to address these health disparities. By increasing the quality of languages services, making them more available, and strengthening both provider and patient understanding of existing rights and tools, we can improve the health of millions of families in the U.S.
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