Quick Links:

Limited English Proficiency (LEP)

Nearly 61 million Americans — roughly 21 percent of the population — do not speak English at home according to the 2011 American Community Survey from the U.S. Census.1

The federal government defines persons with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) as individuals who do not speak English as their primary language and who have a limited ability to read, write, speak, or understand English may be LEP and may be eligible to receive language assistance with respect to the particular service, benefit, or encounter.2

Providing language access for persons with LEP is the law

The legal foundation for language access lies in Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which states: "No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance."3

Language Access Will Improve Patient Safety & Quality

Language barriers can lead to poor communication which can impact patient safety, quality and the health care experience. The resources and tools provided below will provide valuable information to help you and your staff communicate well with patients who do not speak English well. These tools can enhance communication and understanding, thereby increasing the quality of care and reducing the risk of medical errors due to poor communication.

RESOURCES & TOOLS

PROVIDER COMMUNICATIONS ARTICLES

"Working to Meet Patient's Language Needs" — Provider News, Issue 3, 2014
"Do You Need a Language Interpreter for Your Limited English Proficient Patients?" — Provider News, Issue 6, 2014

References

  1. https://www.census.gov/prod/2013pubs/acs-22.pdf
  2. http://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-providers/laws-regulations-guidance/guidance-federal-financial-assistance-title-VI/index.html
  3. https://www.lep.gov/faqs/faqs.html
Last updated on 2/9/2017 10:09:31 AM

 

To Top

Contact Us

Provider Directory

Site Map

Legal Information

The following entities, which serve the noted regions, are independent licensees of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association: Western and Northeastern PA: Highmark Inc. d/b/a Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Highmark Choice Company, Highmark Health Insurance Company, Highmark Coverage Advantage Inc., Highmark Benefits Group Inc., First Priority Health, First Priority Life or Highmark Senior Health Company. Central and Southeastern PA: Highmark Inc. d/b/a Highmark Blue Shield, Highmark Benefits Group Inc., Highmark Health Insurance Company, Highmark Choice Company or Highmark Senior Health Company. Delaware: Highmark BCBSD Inc. d/b/a Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. West Virginia: Highmark West Virginia Inc. d/b/a Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Highmark Health Insurance Company or Highmark Senior Solutions Company. Western NY: Highmark Western and Northeastern New York Inc. d/b/a Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. Northeastern NY: Highmark Western and Northeastern New York Inc. d/b/a Highmark Blue Shield.

All references to “Highmark” in this document are references to the Highmark company that is providing the member’s health benefits or health benefit administration and/or to one or more of its affiliated Blue companies.