For far too long, many Americans – including men and women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, members of the LGBT community, and individuals with pre-existing conditions like HIV/AIDS, cancer, or mental health concerns – have not received equal access to health care. While health care providers are making great strides in improving the care given to patients by recognizing that language and culture are important – discrimination continues to exist.
Making matters even more challenging are the unique communication needs of America’s diverse population. With nearly 61 million people speaking a language other than English at home, ensuring that patients can access health information and are able to effectively communicate with a doctor or other health care provider is a key component of an inclusive health care system.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is committed to strengthening our Nation’s health care system to ensure full participation by all Americans. The Affordable Care Act advances efforts to reach this goal. At the core, the law helps ensure that all people, particularly low-income individuals and other underserved populations, improve their health and increase their health care and insurance options.
In addition, Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act gives HHS a key tool to make sure that all people receive equal access to health care. It is one of the many sections of the Affordable Care Act intended to reduce disparities in the health care system, and is an integral part of the law’s overall goal to expand access to health care for all Americans.
