KFF Brief: 28.5 Million U.S. Residents Have Limited English Proficiency, Face Coverage Gaps
A KFF issue brief published in September 2026 reports that 28.5 million people ages five and older in the U.S. have limited English proficiency (LEP) as of 2024. The brief documents that individuals with LEP experience disproportionate gaps in health insurance coverage and poorer health outcomes due to language access barriers. Because people of color are more likely than White individuals to have LEP, these barriers amplify racial and ethnic health disparities. The brief provides an overview of coverage and care patterns for this population.
Medicaid agencies and managed care plans serving diverse populations must ensure compliance with federal language access requirements under Section 1557 and Title VI, and this brief quantifies the LEP population that requires linguistically appropriate member materials, interpreter services, and culturally competent care coordination.
Managed Care
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