LISTEN: Federal law entitles patients to interpreters if they dont have a strong grasp of English. 窪蹋勛圖厙 News correspondent Vanessa G. S獺nchez appeared on WAMUs Health Hub on July 9 to explain why some Trump administration policies are leaving patients fearful to ask for language services.泭
Patients need to communicate clearly with their health care provider. But thats getting more difficult for those in the U.S. who dont speak English.泭
Budget cuts by the Trump administration have left some providers scrambling to keep qualified medical interpreters. And an executive order designating English the official language of the United States has created confusion among providers about what services should be offered.泭
Patients who dont speak English are left afraid, and perhaps at risk for medical mistakes. What happens when those who need help are too frightened to ask?
In WAMUs July 9 Health Hub segment, 窪蹋勛圖厙 News correspondent Vanessa G. S獺nchez explained why health advocates worry these changes could lead to worse patient outcomes.泭
窪蹋勛圖厙 News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFFan independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more about .