July 30, 2009
The Honorable Nydia M. Velázquez Chairwoman Committee on Small Business House of Representatives
Subject: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: CMS Should Develop an Agencywide Policy for Translating Medicare Documents into Languages Other Than English

Dear Chairwoman Velázquez:
The Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is the federal agency responsible for administering the Medicare program for nearly 45 million beneficiaries, including beneficiaries with limited English proficiency (LEP)—meaning they may not be proficient or are limited in their ability to communicate in the English language. Medicare beneficiaries face a complex set of health care choices that require them to obtain information about the comparative benefits, costs, and quality of available options. CMS is responsible for providing clear, accurate, and timely information about this program and making the information accessible to beneficiaries.

Complete Letter: www.gao.gov/new.items/d09752r.pdf