Nondiscrimination in Health Programs and Activities Proposed Rule is Open for Public Comment

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On September 3rd, 2015, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a proposed rule advancing health equity for vulnerable populations by ensuring they have equal access to health care and health coverage.

The proposed rule applies to Health Insurance Marketplaces, any HHS program, and any program which receives funding from HHS.

The proposed rule will:

• Implement new protections against sex discrimination, to include discrimination based on gender identity
• Enhance language assistance for people with limited English proficiency, to include oral interpreters and written translations
• Protect individuals with disabilities, to include the provision of auxiliary aids and services

Latinos, for example, face many language barriers to health care, including complex and confusing documents and processes and lack of knowledge of available benefits and services.  One way to increase health equity and reduce health disparities among Latinos is to remove these language barriers and provide language assistance.

HHS is seeking feedback and public comment on the proposed rule through November 6, 2015.

Click here to read the fact sheet and summary of the proposed rule.

Click here to access the proposed rule.