Advancing Health Equity Through Language Services

This document is a guide that outlines the strategies and considerations for health systems and health plans to advance health equity through effective language services in 2024. It details the compliance factors, competitive pressures, and economic forces that will shape the landscape of healthcare interpretation and translation. The guide emphasizes the importance of a robust language services program to enhance access and improve outcomes for the 68 million Americans who speak a language other than English at home. Key compliance requirements, including the new Final Rule from CMS, are discussed, highlighting the need for health plans to provide meaningful access to materials in multiple languages. The document also addresses the competitive landscape, noting that health plans must prioritize language access to maintain high Star Ratings and meet the needs of a diverse population. Additionally, it presents economic challenges and advocates for a centralized approach to language services to achieve operational efficiency and cost savings. Overall, the guide stresses that language access is critical to achieving health equity.