Individuals who have a limited ability to read, speak, write, or understand English experience health disparities because they encounter more challenges accessing information they can understand. In the U.S., language barriers disproportionately impact health care for immigrants, Deaf and hard of hearing individuals, and people who are blind or have low-vision. People who encounter communication barriers have less access to and use less health care, face higher costs, and receive lower quality of care.
Our Eligibility & Enrollment team advocates for eligibility, enrollment, and renewal materials to be accessible for people with limited English proficiency. Anyone who is eligible should be able to access critical programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, and CHIP, regardless of their level of English proficiency.