Professional medical interpreters are utilized by numerous Connecticut hospitals, including Hartford Hospital, Yale-New Haven Hospital and Hospital of St. Raphael, to improve health disparities often seen among minorities. Although the services rendered by medical interpreters are heavily advocated, hospitals are forced to pocket the high costs.
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According to the report, Hartford Hospital paid $85,000 in 2009-2010 on medical interpreters. Yale-New Haven Hospital reportedly spends more than $1 million, while Hospital of St. Raphael spends between $40,000-$80,000 annually.
Connecticut Health Foundation has pushed for the promised Medicaid funding, but President and CEO Patricia Baker doesn’t expect the funding to materialize amid the government’s struggles with debt reduction.
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