Guest Columnist – Bipartisan Legislation Would Help Break Down Health Care Barriers  

COAUTHORS| Rep.(R) Gabe Evans, Colorado Congressional District 8, and Angel Merlos, Strategic director for The LIBRE Initiative in Colorado. 

The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by our guest columnists do not reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of this publication.

By Rep.(R) Gabe Evans, Colorado Congressional District 8, and Angel Merlos, Strategic director for The LIBRE Initiative in Colorado. 

Colorado’s Latino community has long been a key part of our state’s economy, culture, and political landscape. From the hills of the San Luis Valley to the bustling communities of Denver metro and even the oil and gas fields of Weld County, our contributions are undeniable.  

However, one critical issue affecting our community is ensuring quality and personalized health care in an increasingly technologically dependent world. 

This is precisely why I (Rep. Evans) was proud to be an original co-sponsor of the Supporting Patient Education and Knowledge (SPEAK) Act with my colleague, Rep. Monica De La Cruz of Texas. 

The LIBRE Initiative enthusiastically supports this legislation because it believes that we must work towards reducing barriers preventing Americans from receiving the personalized health care they need from health care professionals. 

At a time when bipartisanship seems in short supply, the SPEAK Act is generating support from both Republicans and Democrats from across the country. Other original co-sponsors include Representatives from California, Nevada, and the East Coast.  

If signed into law, the SPEAK Act would make telehealth more accessible for all Americans—especially those with limited English proficiency (LEP). 

For many of us, this issue is personal, having had to serve as unofficial translators for our non-English speaking parents or grandparents. And although things are changing, over 25 million Americans, 300,000 in Colorado alone, have limited English, with 62% of them being Hispanic. Many struggle to find health care providers who can effectively communicate with them, which results in poor health outcomes, medical errors, and even increased health care costs.  

 In fact, miscommunication in health care contributes to over $1.7 billion in medical malpractice costs annually. 

 Telehealth has transformed health care by removing geographical barriers and making it easier for patients to access medical care. Today, 60% of psychiatric services are delivered virtually, highlighting the growing importance of telehealth. However, language barriers continue to limit its potential. 

The SPEAK Act would ensure language barriers do not prevent individuals from receiving quality health care. It would direct the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide clear guidance on improving telehealth services for individuals with LEP. This includes exploring comprehensive language services in telehealth and fostering collaboration between government agencies, health care providers, local stakeholders, and technology leaders to create a national framework for telehealth accessibility.  

This legislation is crucial for Colorado’s Latino community. Many of our elders, workers, and families rely on telehealth but face significant hurdles when accessing care in their preferred language. Ensuring inclusive telehealth access, the SPEAK Act will lead to better health outcomes, lower costs, and a healthier community. 

Congress must pass the SPEAK Act and establish a health care system that delivers on the promise of telehealth for all Americans. For Colorado’s Latino families, this is more than just policy—it’s about dignity and the right to quality health care.