Bay Area · 9 counties · open to everyone
Understanding your care in your language
A discharge goes wrong fast when a family can't follow it. You have the right to a free interpreter in health care — here's what that means and how to ask. We share information, not legal advice; for a specific problem, a free legal aid can help.
Your right to understand
Your right to a free interpreter in health care
- What it means
- Hospitals, clinics, and health plans that receive federal funding must offer you a qualified interpreter and translated information at no cost — in your language. You should not be asked to bring your own interpreter or rely on a child to translate.
- How to use it
- If you're offered care or discharge instructions you don't fully understand, say you need an interpreter in your language. It's your right and it's free.
Checked 2026-06-09.
How to ask for an interpreter
Ask the hospital or clinic for an interpreter
- What it means
- Every hospital must provide interpreters (in person, by phone, or by video) for appointments, consent forms, and discharge instructions.
- How to use it
- Tell any staff member, or your nurse or discharge planner, the language you prefer. You can also use an "I speak…" card to point to your language. Ask for written discharge instructions in your language too.
Checked 2026-06-09.
Your health plan's interpreter line
- What it means
- Medi-Cal and most health plans provide free interpreters over the phone for member services, appointments, and questions about your care.
- How to use it
- Call the member-services number on the back of your insurance card and ask for an interpreter in your language. Medi-Cal members are entitled to free interpreter services.
Checked 2026-06-09.
Deaf & hard of hearing
Sign-language (ASL) interpreters
- What it means
- Under the ADA, hospitals must provide effective communication for deaf and hard-of-hearing patients — including a qualified ASL interpreter when needed, at no cost.
- How to use it
- Ask the hospital for an ASL interpreter (on-site or by video) for appointments, consent, and discharge. Put your communication needs in writing if you can.
Checked 2026-06-09.
California Relay — dial 711
- What it means
- A free service that lets people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability make and receive phone calls through a relay operator or captioned phone.
- How to use it
- Dial 711 from any phone to reach the relay service, then give the number you want to call. Useful for reaching facilities, plans, and benefit offices.
Checked 2026-06-09.
Help in your language
211 — help in many languages
- What it means
- A free, confidential phone line that connects you to local health, housing, food, and benefits help — with interpreters available in many languages.
- How to use it
- Dial 211 or visit 211.org any time; ask for your language when you call.
Checked 2026-06-09.
These are your rights under federal and California law. If a hospital or plan won't provide an interpreter, you can ask for a patient advocate or contact a free legal-aid organization — and you can always call 211 for help in your language.