According to Title VI, who must pay for their own interpreter?

Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, healthcare providers are responsible for ensuring that individuals with limited English proficiency have access to effective communication, including the provision of interpreters. Title VI prohibits discrimination on the basis of national origin and requires public entities and programs receiving federal funding to take reasonable steps to provide language assistance services at no cost to the individual needing those services.

This means that when a patient requires an interpreter to understand or communicate effectively within a healthcare setting, it is the healthcare provider's responsibility to cover the costs associated with providing that interpreter. Patients or their families should not bear this financial burden, nor are insurance companies required to cover these costs, as the obligation lies with the healthcare provider to ensure compliance with federal regulations regarding accessibility and nondiscrimination.