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Reducing Barriers, Improving Outcomes: Using Federal Opportunities to Expand Health Care Access for Individuals with Limited English Proficiency

Jul 10, 2023 The U.S. health care system consistently fails people whose primary language is not English. This resource describes the steps Congress and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services can take to address these health disparities.

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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Bipartisan Language Access Developments in Congress Pave the Way for Change

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Aug 9, 2023 In March 2023, after a three-year pause, states resumed terminating the eligibility of...

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Apr 26, 2024 This resource presents recommendations for both state Medicaid agencies and HHS’s Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to improve language access for individuals with limited English proficiency to promote participation in and...