NILC Celebrates the House Passage of the SPEAK Act 

Sep 18, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 18, 2024

CONTACT
Email: [email protected]
Adrian Escárate, 202-609-9976
Emily Morris, 213-457-7458

NILC Celebrates the House Passage of the SPEAK Act

WASHINGTON — Kica Matos, president of the National Immigration Law Center, issued the following statement in response to the U.S. House of Representatives’ bipartisan passage of the Supporting Patient Education And Knowledge (SPEAK) Act, which would establish best practices for improving access to telehealth for non-English speakers:

“Telehealth is a lifeline for so many families to access care, but too often this crucial service is placed out of reach for people with limited English proficiency. All of us, no matter where we were born or which language we speak, should have equitable access to the benefits of virtual health care. By making telehealth more accessible for people with limited English proficiency, we can improve health outcomes and lower costs. We are grateful to Representatives Michelle Steel and Jimmy Gomez for championing this legislation, and we call on the Senate to pass the SPEAK Act without delay.”

###

Related
Overview of Immigrant Eligibility for Federal Programs (Table)

Overview of Immigrant Eligibility for Federal Programs (Table)

Updated Oct 1, 2026 This table provides an overview of immigrant eligibility for the major federal public assistance programs. Originally published in November 2015.

What Immigrants Need to Know About the New Medicaid Eligibility Restrictions
A black female medical professional with straight hair pulled into a bun is wrapping a blood pressure cuff around the arm of a black female patient with long braids

What Immigrants Need to Know About the New Medicaid Eligibility Restrictions

Ben D’Avanzo

Published Oct 1, 2026 Congress has introduced Medicaid eligibility restrictions for immigrants who have experienced domestic violence and human trafficking, among others.

Major Benefit Programs Available to Immigrants in California (Table)

Major Benefit Programs Available to Immigrants in California (Table)

Updated Sep 23, 2026 This table lists the programs for which certain immigrants residing in California are eligible. Originally published in May 2017.

Medical Assistance Programs for Immigrants in Various States (Table)

Medical Assistance Programs for Immigrants in Various States (Table)

Updated Aug 24, 2026 This table outlines state policies for extending health coverage to more immigrant groups, including lawfully residing children and pregnant persons, regardless of their U.S. entry date, and providing prenatal care using CHIP funds, regardless...