Providers: Important changes to sign language (SL) interpreter requests (October 1)

Washington State Health Care Authority sent this bulletin at 09/30/2019 01:10 PM PDT

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Starting October 1: important changes to SL interpreter requests

The Health Care Authority (HCA) is developing a new process for requesting sign language (SL) interpreters through the Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH) for Medicaid clients for service dates after January 1, 2020.

What does this mean for me?

Until process development is complete (estimated by end of October 2019), providers must take the following steps to secure an SL interpreter for the following situations:

For services now through December 31, 2019
Continue current electronic submittal process with Universal Language Services (ULS).
For services January 1, 2020 and after
Use our temporary “manual” process until we finalize the new process. The new process will include electronic submittal option.

Important: ULS will STOP accepting sign language requests for 2020 appointments on October 1, 2019.

What is the temporary “manual” process?

For 2020 service dates: until the new electronic submittal process is in place, you must:

Complete the first two sections of the DSHS Form #17-123A.
Send the form via email to HCASLinterpreterRequests@hca.wa.gov.

Include the following in your email:

- Medical provider's name

- Medical provider's NPI number

- Medical provider's specialization
(i.e. behavioral health, primary care, cardiology, etc.)

- The Apple Health client's ProviderOne number

HCA will review the form and send you an email confirmation accepting the request.
Once the request has an interpreter assigned (filled) HCA will send a confirmation email with the name of the interpreter and/or interpreter agency.

How do I request an interpreter for 2019?

You must submit all requests for SL interpreter services with 2019 dates of services to ULS.

More information

HCA will share the most current information about our transition from ULS to ODHH on our Sign language interpreter contract transition webpage.

Information will include frequently asked questions and medical provider training, as it becomes available.

About the Health Care Authority (HCA)

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is committed to whole-person care, integrating physical health and behavioral health services for better results and healthier residents.

HCA purchases health care for more than two million Washington residents through Apple Health (Medicaid), the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) Program, and, beginning in 2020, the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) Program. As the largest health care purchaser in the state, we lead the effort to transform health care, helping ensure Washington residents have access to better health and better care at a lower cost.

Please do not reply directly to this message. For more information, visit the HCA website, where you'll also find contact information.

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Nondiscrimination

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) complies with all applicable federal and Washington state civil rights laws and is committed to providing equal access to our services. Visit HCA’s website to view complete nondiscrimination statements.