Journal of immigrant and minority health
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J Immigr Minor Health · Dec 2009
Multicenter StudyLanguage barriers among patients in Boston emergency departments: use of medical interpreters after passage of interpreter legislation.
Since 2001, Massachusetts state law dictates that emergency department (ED) patients with limited English proficiency have the right to a professional interpreter. ⋯ We found that 11% of ED patients had significant language barriers, but use of professional medical interpreters remained low. One year after passage of legislation mandating access, use of professional medical interpreters remained inadequate.
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J Immigr Minor Health · Dec 2009
ReviewExpanding the universe of universal coverage: the population health argument for increasing coverage for immigrants.
As the US recession deepens, furthering the debate about healthcare reform is now even more important than ever. Few plans aimed at facilitating universal coverage make any mention of increasing access for uninsured non-citizens living in the US, many of whom are legally restricted from certain types of coverage. ⋯ Furthermore, from a health economics perspective, increasing access to care for immigrant populations may actually reduce net costs by increasing primary prevention and reducing the emphasis on emergency care for preventable conditions. It is unlikely that proposals for universal coverage will accomplish their objectives of improving population health and reducing social disparities in health if they do not address the substantial proportion of uninsured non-citizens living in the US.