Problems With English Help Block Many Hispanics From Medical Care

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, according to the latest News and Numbers from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. About 6 of every 10 Hispanics with limited English proficiency are also uninsured compared with 3 of every 10 Hispanics who speak English proficiently.

AHRQ’s analysis, based on 2004 statistics, also found:

- About 46 percent of Hispanics with limited English proficiency visited a doctor or clinic compared to 58 percent of those who spoke English proficiently.

- About 9 percent of Hispanics with limited English proficiency went to an emergency room compared to 13 percent who spoke English proficiently.

- About 41 percent of Hispanics with limited English proficiency had prescriptions filled compared to 51 percent who spoke English proficiently.

- About 16 percent of Hispanics with limited English proficiency visited a dentist compared to 30 percent who spoke English proficiently. “

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