Improving Health Coverage and Care for Individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP)

Improving Health Coverage and Care for Individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP)

In today's diverse society, it is crucial to ensure that everyone has access to quality healthcare, regardless of language barriers. For individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP), accessing health coverage and care can be particularly challenging. However, by providing timely language assistance, we can address these challenges and improve the quality of care for LEP individuals.

Most individuals with LEP are Hispanic, Spanish-speaking adults, with nearly nine out of ten being adults. Among this population, the largest share falls between the ages of 35-54. Additionally, Hispanic people account for nearly two-thirds of the LEP population, while Asians make up over a fifth of individuals with LEP.

Language assistance plays a vital role in ensuring that LEP individuals can access health coverage and receive quality care. This assistance includes both oral interpretation and written translation. It is crucial to emphasize the use of qualified interpreters and translators, as relying on family members, untrained staff, or machine translation tools can lead to inaccuracies.

Under Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), state Medicaid agencies and healthcare providers are required to take reasonable steps in providing meaningful access to LEP individuals. However, the standards for providing meaningful access were reduced under the Trump Administration. Fortunately, the Biden Administration has proposed a rule to restore these standards more closely to the original 2016 regulations.

To guide organizations in implementing culturally and linguistically appropriate services, the National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) in Health and Health Care provide actionable steps. These standards aim to ensure that healthcare organizations are equipped to meet the unique needs of diverse populations, including LEP individuals.

In October 2022, the Office of Minority Health announced over $4 million in grants to develop and test methods of informing individuals with LEP about the availability of language access services in healthcare settings. This initiative demonstrates a commitment to improving language access and promoting equitable healthcare for all.

Furthermore, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has established the Language Access Steering Committee, which is responsible for implementing the language goals of the 2022 HHS Equity Action Plan and updating the 2013 HHS Language Access Plan. These efforts reflect a comprehensive approach to address the language barriers faced by LEP individuals.

It is essential to recognize the languages most commonly spoken by people with LEP. The top five languages include Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Arabic, and Tagalog. However, approximately a quarter of people with LEP speak other languages. Furthermore, certain states have a higher concentration of individuals with LEP, with nearly 60% residing in California, Texas, Florida, and New York.

In conclusion, improving health coverage and care for individuals with Limited English Proficiency requires a multifaceted approach. By providing timely language assistance, adhering to national standards, and implementing targeted initiatives, we can bridge the language gap and ensure equitable access to healthcare for all. Here are three actionable pieces of advice to consider:

• 1. Invest in qualified interpreters and translators: Relying on professionals who are trained in medical interpretation and translation will help ensure accurate communication and reduce the risk of errors.

• 2. Educate healthcare providers and staff: Healthcare organizations should prioritize cultural and linguistic competency training to enhance their ability to provide effective care to LEP individuals.

• 3. Promote awareness of language access services: Developing and implementing strategies to inform individuals with LEP about available language access services will empower them to seek the care they need without fear of language barriers.

By implementing these recommendations and continually striving to improve language access in healthcare, we can create a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system for all individuals, regardless of their English proficiency.