To examine health coverage and access to care for individuals aged five years and older with limited English proficiency (LEP) in the U.S.
Approach:
Data Sources: Utilized KFF’s analysis of the 2024 American Community Survey (ACS) and findings from the 2023 Survey on Racism, Discrimination, and Health.
Key Findings:
In 2024, 28.5 million U.S. residents aged five and older had LEP, representing 9% of the population.
Hispanic individuals make up 62% and Asian individuals account for 21% of the LEP population.
Individuals with LEP are over three times more likely to lack health insurance compared to English-proficient individuals (23% vs. 7%).
Adults with LEP report poorer access to care and health outcomes, with 34% rating their health as 'fair' or 'poor' compared to 19% of English-proficient adults.
Language barriers hinder access to healthcare services, affecting understanding of eligibility, appointment arrangements, and communication with healthcare providers.
Interpretation:
The LEP population faces significant barriers to health coverage and care, primarily due to language access issues.
Limitations:
The analysis is based on survey data, which may not capture all nuances of healthcare access and outcomes.
The impact of recent federal policy changes on LEP individuals is still unfolding and may not be fully reflected in the data.
Conclusion:
The findings highlight barriers to healthcare access and services for individuals with LEP.
