Lost in translation: Cutbacks in the interpreter could risk the patient lives – KFF Health News

By means of Vanessa G. Sánchez

July 16, 2025

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<br /> <span class="byline">Vanessa G. Sánchez</span></p> <p>Listen: The federal law entitles patients to interpreters if they do not have strong English. KFF Health News Correspondent Vanessa G. Sánchez appeared on 9 July on Wamu’s “Health Hub” to explain why some Trump administration policy leaves patients anxious to ask for language services. </p> <p>Patients must clearly communicate with their care provider. But that becomes more difficult for those in the US who don’t speak English. </p> <p>Budget reductions by the Trump administration have left some providers behind to maintain qualified medical interpreters. And an executive order that indicates English. The official language of the United States has created confusion among providers about which services should be offered. </p> <p>Patients who do not speak English are left scared and perhaps run the risk of medical errors. What happens if those who need help are too scared to ask? </p> <p>In the “Health Hub” segment of Wamu, KFF Health Newscorrespondent Vanessa G. Sánchez explained why proponents of health care are concerned that these changes can lead to poorer patient results. </p> <p>KFF Health News is a National Newsroom that produces in-depth journalism on health problems and one of the core activities of KFF is-a independent source of research, polling and journalism of health policy. Read more about Kff.</p><div class='code-block code-block-9' style='margin: 8px 0; clear: both;'> <script type="litespeed/javascript" data-src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7469823878573928" crossorigin="anonymous"></script> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:block; text-align:center;" data-ad-layout="in-article" data-ad-format="fluid" data-ad-client="ca-pub-7469823878573928" data-ad-slot="6613010739"></ins> <script type="litespeed/javascript">(adsbygoogle=window.adsbygoogle||[]).push({})</script></div> <h3>Use our content</h3> <p>This story can be re -published (details) for free.</p> <p>
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