Under ACA Section 1557, a person cannot be discriminated against based on what?

• A. Legal or illegal immigration status or ability to speak English.
• B. Age.
• C. Income level.
• D. Religion.

Answer: (A)

Under ACA Section 1557, protections focus on national origin and language access. That means health programs that receive federal funds cannot treat someone differently because of where they come from or because they speak other languages. Immigration status is tied to national origin in practice, and the law also requires meaningful access for people with limited English proficiency, so discrimination based on immigration status or the ability to speak English is prohibited. Providers must offer language assistance, like interpreters or translated materials, to ensure equal access to care.

In this context, choices that involve immigration status or language ability sit squarely under what 1557 protects, which is why this option is the best choice.