Health disparity data, medical interpreters are key asks of Budget Subcommittee
(SACRAMENTO) – Newly elected Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula (D – Fresno) is requesting budget funding for a program intended to identify health disparities by race, ethnicity and language data.
“I’ve seen firsthand the health disparities that exist,” said Dr. Arambula. “The data we collect will help guide future solutions to this major medical issue.”
Arambula made the requests before the Budget Subcommittee on Health & Human Services to spearhead an effort by the California Latino Legislative Caucus to address these issues across the state. Specifically, he requested $200,000 be spent toward collecting information about race/ethnicity, language, sexual orientation and gender identity data under Covered California’s proposed 2017 Qualified Healthcare Standards. Seventy-eight percent of people under Medi-Cal managed care enrollment comprise communities of color. This wide range of diversity provides Medi-Cal with a tremendous opportunity to use its power as the country’s largest Medicaid program, and the state’s largest insurer, to drive changes toward the identification and reduction of health disparities.
In addition, Dr. Arambula also asked that $15 million be invested in a program administered by the Department of Healthcare Services to provide and reimburse medical interpretation services to Medi-Cal beneficiaries who are Limited English Proficient (LEP) patients.
“Too many patients in my emergency room had difficulty communicating,” noted Arambula. “I have seen the deficiencies in language services available to patients who need them. This proposal will help thousands in my district alone, and countless others statewide.”
It is estimated that six million patients in Medi-Cal need access to an interpreter. Forty percent of Medi-Cal patients report a language other than English as their primary language based on 2014 data.
Arambula’s proposals are currently being considered by the Assembly Budget Committee. He also discussed both issues with Gov. Jerry Brown during a recent meeting.
More information is available at www.asmdc.org/arambula.
Below are links to audio of Assemblymember Arambula:
Dr. Arambula presents his budget proposal to the Assembly’s Budget Sub 1 – Health and Human Services Committee. (1:27)
Dr. Arambula explains the dangers of not having medical interpreters. (:35)
Dr. Arambula says children are often the ones who must be the interpreter for their parents. (:23)
Dr. Arambula explains how much money is needed to provide medical interpreters. (:20)