Has the ACA Bettered the Language Barriers in Forms Reporting? We Asked a Professional
Over the last few years, pocket neighborhoods of Spanish speaking individuals have produced significant language barriers when it comes to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Many whose primary language is Spanish have difficulty in understanding the forms provided for ACA information reporting. Others are completely unaware of certain government subsidies made available to them. Some have been left uninsured due to the knowledge gap.
Omar Guerra helps run a family business providing tax preparation and other document services. The business is located in Paterson, N.J.—an inner city with nearly 50% of the population being Spanish speaking. The clientele is mostly comprised of those fluent in Spanish seeking to file tax forms, citizenship paperwork, VISAs, and other forms of legal documentation. Per Guerra, the ACA has produced some obstacles for his clients when it comes to an overall understanding of the forms, process, and even access to healthcare. He explains that the ACA mandates have made his business more fluent in procedures and best practices, though the challenges of addressing the language barrier lingers on.
We spoke with Guerra about his business and what the federal agencies, like the IRS, could do to make for smoother processing of ACA information.
What type of business does your family provide?
My family provides assistance for people who are filing their income tax returns. In the process, we also educate people on what the requirements and laws are. We let them know what they may qualify for, and if they need assistance with signing up for benefits under the Affordable Care Act we assist them.
What percentage would you say speak Spanish?
I would say about 95% of our clients speak Spanish.
Have you noticed a difficulty in their understanding of ACA-related forms? Which forms in particular?
There is sometimes confusion with the forms they receive when they were covered partially during the year, but nothing we cannot explain to them. The confusion is generally with the 1094 Forms. I understand that for 2017, there have been changes made, and it should be easier to understand for most people.
Are there any options for these forms in Spanish?
Yes, our clients do receive these forms in both English and Spanish.
Has this changed how you help your clients?
We are always happy and pleased to help our clients in any way necessary, as we are very customer service driven. Our service is second to none in the manner in which we help our clients and in the quality of work we provide. As part of our service, we sometimes accompany our clients when they need to go to the IRS office in Paterson. We understand that sometimes things may get lost in translation, so we do our best to make sure someone who knows the situation is there with them.
Have you had to gain your own greater understanding of these forms? Does the IRS help at all?
Some IRS Agents at this particular [Paterson] facility are very helpful, while others are only marginally helpful.
Is the problem more filling out forms for the healthcare or the tax forms for avoiding penalties for having no healthcare?
The penalties. At first, we were unaware of the forms that allowed our clients to avoid penalties. A friend made me aware and we looked further into it and began providing this as an option to our clients if they qualified based on the parameters set.
What do you suggest is a fix for this problem?
I would like to see the IRS become more active in educating the general public about the tax laws that are in place. Not just the penalties, but make information readily available as to what your normal taxpayer that is new to this would need to know. I believe even USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) or other agencies that process peoples’ abilities to become tax-paying residents or newly naturalized citizens should educate people as this is a part of being an American and a tax paying citizen.
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