Agency News and Notes

Hispanics with limited proficiency in English access health care less often

Only about 49 percent of Hispanics who are not comfortable speaking English have a regular source of medical care, such as a family doctor or community health clinic, compared to 63 percent of Hispanics who speak English proficiently. About 6 of every 10 Hispanics with limited English proficiency are also uninsured compared with 3 of every 10 Hispanics who speak English proficiently.

This analysis, based on 2004 statistics, also found that Hispanics with limited English proficiency were less likely to visit a doctor or clinic, go to an emergency room, have their prescriptions filled, or visit a dentist compared to those who spoke English proficiently (Select for chart).

For more information, go to MEPS Research Findings #28: Demographics and Health Care Access of Limited-English-Proficient and English-Proficient Hispanics, at www.meps.ahrq.gov/mepsweb.

To learn about AHRQ's new public service campaign to encourage adult Hispanics to visit their doctor for preventive care, go to: www.ahrq.gov/superheroes.

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