Your Right to a Free Medical Interpreter

The short answer. Under Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, any health provider or program that receives federal money—which includes essentially everyone who takes Medicare or Medicaid—must provide you with a qualified, free interpreter if you have limited English proficiency. This is a civil rights protection, enforced by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. You cannot be asked to pay, and you cannot be required to bring a family member or a child to interpret for you.

What the Law Requires Providers to Do

Any doctor's office, hospital, clinic, or health plan that receives Medicare or Medicaid payment must provide language assistance at no cost to you. Specifically, the provider is responsible for providing competent interpreter services at no cost to you. This is not optional. The provider cannot:

• Charge you for an interpreter
• Require you to bring your own interpreter
• Ask you to use a family member or friend to interpret (except briefly in a true emergency)
• Require your child to interpret for you

What Is a Qualified Interpreter?

A qualified interpreter is more than someone who speaks your language. The law defines it as "an individual who is able to interpret effectively, accurately, and impartially, both receptively and expressively, using any specialized vocabulary required by the circumstances." In plain terms: a qualified interpreter understands what you say, accurately tells the doctor, understands medical terms, and makes sure you understand what the doctor is saying back.

Why Your Child or Family Member Should Not Interpret

You may be tempted to bring a family member, friend, or even an older child to interpret. It is free and familiar. But federal law and medical ethics say this is not safe. Here's why:

Accuracy and Medical Complexity

Medical information is complicated. A family member may not know medical vocabulary in either language. Even small mistakes in interpreting can lead to the wrong diagnosis, the wrong medicine, or a dangerous misunderstanding of how to take a medication or prepare for a procedure. A qualified interpreter has training in medical terminology and accuracy.

Privacy and Confidentiality

When you see a doctor, you need privacy. Your health information is personal. If a family member or friend interprets, your sensitive medical details are shared with them. A qualified interpreter is bound by confidentiality rules and is trained to keep your information private.

Conflicts of Interest and Bias

Sometimes, a family member or friend may have a reason to misrepresent what is being said. For example, if domestic abuse is involved, a spouse or family member might not accurately convey information about abuse or might discourage you from seeking help. A neutral, qualified interpreter has no stake in the outcome.

Why the Law Protects You

Federal law says that "in many cases, especially when information about important medical decisions or consent is at issue, friends and family members may not have the ability to ensure the LEP person being served fully understands what a health provider is communicating to them." You deserve to fully understand your medical care. That is why the law requires providers to pay for a qualified interpreter.

How to Request an Interpreter

Asking for an interpreter is straightforward. You can request one:

• When you schedule the appointment. Call the office and say, "I need an interpreter who speaks [your language]." Give them time to arrange it.
• When you check in. Tell the front desk staff when you arrive: "I need an interpreter for this visit."
• By phone or video. If you are having a visit by phone or video, you can ask for an interpreter for that too. The provider can arrange a qualified interpreter to join the call or video.

Be specific about which language you need. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may need American Sign Language (ASL) or another accommodation. Tell the provider what you need.

What to Do If a Provider Refuses or Delays

If a provider says no to an interpreter, or says they cannot arrange one in time, here is what you can do:

• Cite the law. Say: "I have a right to a free interpreter under Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act and the Civil Rights Act. I am exercising that right."
• Ask for their nondiscrimination policy. Every provider that receives federal funding must have a written nondiscrimination policy. Ask to see it.
• Ask for a manager or supervisor. If the front desk says no, ask to speak with someone in charge.
• Reschedule with an interpreter in place. Do not proceed with your visit without an interpreter if you need one. Your health care is important. It is better to wait and do it right.

Filing a Complaint if You Are Denied an Interpreter

If a provider refuses to give you an interpreter or violates your language rights, you can file a formal complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights (OCR). OCR enforces nondiscrimination laws for all health providers and programs that receive federal funding. You can file in several ways:

When you file a complaint, provide:

• The name and address of the provider or health plan
• The date you were denied an interpreter
• What happened
• Your contact information

OCR will investigate. You do not have to pay, and you have the right to privacy. Keep a copy of your complaint for your records.

Related Topics on This Site

Language access is one part of your civil rights as a patient. Learn more:

• Your Rights & Protections — overview of appeal rights, coverage decisions, privacy, and protection from surprise bills
• Caregivers: Managing Medicare for a Loved One — if you are helping someone else navigate their health care, including situations where they might need to be spoken for (and why a qualified approach matters)
• Questions to Ask — when enrolling in a plan or choosing a provider, ask about interpreter services and language access

Common Questions

Official Sources

• HHS Office for Civil Rights: FAQ — Can an LEP person use a family member as an interpreter?
• HHS Office for Civil Rights: Section 1557 — Ensuring Meaningful Access for Individuals with Limited English Proficiency
• CMS.gov: Nondiscrimination Notice
• HealthCare.gov: Health Insurance Marketplace
• Medicare.gov
• Medicaid.gov