Study: Hispanics struggle with health system

A new study suggests that despite the growing use of interpreters in provider settings, language still has a big impact on U.S. Hispanics' ability to obtain appropriate care. The study, which analyzed 2002 data on more than 125,000 Medicare managed care enrollees, concluded that Spanish-speaking Hispanics did well in Latino-heavy Florida, even when compared with English-speaking Hispanics.

However, in places like California and the New York/New Jersey region, those speaking only Spanish reported worse experiences than those who spoke English. All told, Hispanics who spoke only Spanish had less favorable experiences when talking with providers or getting help from administrative staff, the study found.

To learn more about the study:
- read this HealthDay News piece

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