CMS Framework for Health Equity

Priority 4: Advance Language Access, Health Literacy, and the Provision of Culturally Tailored Services

CMS must ensure that all individuals we serve, including members of communities that are underserved, can equitably access all CMS benefits, services and other supports, and coverage. Language access, health literacy, and the provision of culturally tailored services play a critical role in health care quality, patient safety and experience, and can impact health outcomes. CMS has opportunities across our operations, direct communication and outreach to enrollees and consumers, and guidance to plans, providers, and other partners to improve health care quality, patient safety, and the experience individuals have within the health care system.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
2. Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
3. Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Language Access

Ensuring language access is a crucial step towards achieving the SDGs. By providing language services to individuals from underserved communities, CMS can promote inclusivity and equal access to healthcare services. This aligns with Goal 10 of the SDGs, which aims to reduce inequalities.

Health Literacy

Promoting health literacy is essential for improving health outcomes and patient safety. By providing clear and understandable health information, CMS can empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health. This contributes to Goal 3 of the SDGs, which focuses on good health and well-being.

Culturally Tailored Services

Offering culturally tailored services acknowledges the diverse needs and preferences of different communities. By providing services that are culturally sensitive and respectful, CMS can enhance the patient experience and improve health care quality. This aligns with Goal 3 of the SDGs, as it aims to ensure good health and well-being for all.

Conclusion

By prioritizing language access, health literacy, and the provision of culturally tailored services, CMS can contribute to the achievement of the SDGs. These efforts will not only improve health care quality and patient safety but also promote inclusivity and reduce inequalities within the health care system. Through partnerships with plans, providers, and other stakeholders, CMS can work towards creating a more equitable and sustainable health care system.

SDGs, Targets and Indicators

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services, and access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all
   • Indicator: Access to culturally tailored health services for underserved communities

2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status
   • Indicator: Language access and provision of culturally tailored services for underserved communities

The article highlights the importance of language access, health literacy, and culturally tailored services in improving health care quality, patient safety, and the overall experience individuals have within the health care system. These issues are connected to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, which aims to ensure universal health coverage and access to quality health care services for all. Specifically, Target 3.8 focuses on achieving universal health coverage, including access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all. The provision of culturally tailored health services for underserved communities, as mentioned in the article, can be seen as an indicator of progress towards this target.

The article also addresses SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, which aims to empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all individuals, irrespective of their background or status. Target 10.2 specifically focuses on promoting inclusion and reducing inequalities based on various factors, including ethnicity and origin. The article emphasizes the importance of language access and the provision of culturally tailored services for underserved communities, which can be seen as an indicator of progress towards this target.

Source: cms.gov