Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. House of Representatives just passed bipartisan legislation introduced by Rep. Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) and Rep. Michelle Steel (CA-45) to improve health care access for patients with limited English proficiency. The Supporting Patient Education and Knowledge (SPEAK) Act requires the Department of Health and Human Services to work to remove language barriers to telehealth services, which can be more affordable and accessible than traditional health care delivery. The bill now moves to the Senate.

Over 25 million Americans have limited English proficiency (LEP) and often face higher barriers to utilizing telehealth services due to communication difficulties. In Gomez’s Los Angeles congressional district, more than two-thirds of people speak a language other than English at home.

“In my district alone, 71% of people speak a language other than English at home—it's past time we ensure no one’s healthcare is limited to their ability to speak English. The SPEAK Act will expand our healthcare system’s tools to communicate with all people, lessen miscommunication between doctors and patients, and help communities everywhere get the care they need,” said Rep. Jimmy Gomez. “I’m proud to lead this bipartisan bill with Rep. Steel for such an important healthcare access issue, and I hope our Senate colleagues take up the SPEAK Act quickly.”

“Telehealth services are transforming health care by increasing access, reducing costs, and improving outcomes. As we continue to improve access to care via new technologies, I’m focused on ensuring no American’s health care needs are left behind in the digital age," said Rep. Michelle Steel, who introduced the SPEAK act in 2023 with 29 bipartisan cosponsors. “I’m thrilled to see the House pass the SPEAK Act to ensure affordable health care services are available to all Americans, regardless of language.”

The SPEAK Act will require the Department of Health and Human Services to issue guidance with best practices for improving telehealth services for non-English speakers.

The legislation is supported by a variety of health care organizations as well as the National Immigration Law Center.

The SPEAK Act now moves to the Senate for consideration. View the full text of H.R. 6033 here.

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Background:

• Over 25 million people in the United States have limited English proficiency (LEP).
• While the country has experienced an increase in the use of telehealth, people with LEP face barriers to accessing virtual health services. This hurts patients’ health, leads to higher system costs and, in severe cases, a lack of language-accessible services has led to severe health consequences for patients. 
• Adults with LEP have 20% lower odds of having telemedicine visits than adults with English proficiency.
• Telehealth services are used less by Spanish-speaking patients and a secret shopper study found that Spanish-speaking patients find it harder to schedule telehealth appointments at safety-net clinics.