Authors assessed the relationship between distance to the nearest safety-net clinic (SNC) and access in nonrural uninsured adults in California, and examined whether this relationship differs by language proficiency. Using data from the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), the authors examined differences in language- and distance-barriers among uninsured Californians who are speak English fluently versus those with limited proficiency.

Findings: Among uninsured adults, having limited proficiency is a barrier to access to health care, which is compounded when combined with increased distance to the nearest SNC. Future studies should explore potential mechanisms so that appropriate interventions can be implemented.