Interpreter service newsletter

Washington State Health Care Authority sent this bulletin at 10/02/2023 09:00 AM PDT

Spoken and sign language interpreter services at the Health Care Authority.

Month, Year

In this issue

Sign language updates
Spoken language updates
Learn more

Sign language updates

Reimbursement

If a sign language interpreter is unable to be secured through the HCA request process, a provider may request reimbursement when they secure an interpreter at their own cost. For more information, please see the sign language reimbursement guide.

Contractors

Reminders

Reminder that HCA has created a contractor manual to help aid you in completing your HCA work. If you have any feedback or suggestions to share regarding the guide, please email HCA.

Providers

Reminders

Providers, please remember that it is standard to request a sign language interpreter at a minimum of 3 weeks prior to the appointment date.

Providers, please remember that it is preferred that when making a request for a sign language interpreter, you prioritize in-person interpreting to provide a more equitable and effective experience for the deaf client.

Providers, if a sign language interpreter can not be secured through the HCA request process, it is still your federal obligation to provide language access services to your clients per the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Spoken language updates

Total payable portal field

Universal Language Service has brought back the “total payable” portal field. This field is designed to calculate the language access provider's (LAPs) appointment time and any expenses incurred. If you have feedback on how this field is working, please email us.

Rate increase

As of July 1, 2023, the new in-person LAP hourly rate is $46.09/hr and the new over-the-phone rate is $.66/min.

For video remote services, LAPs will be paid a minimum of $3.18 for the first 10-minutes and $.64/min for any minute above the first 10 minutes.

Interpreters

Reminders

As of July 1, 2023, you may provide a copy of your own background check to Universal Language Service. If you would like to provide your own background check, you can upload it directly to your PayCor account.

Providers

Reminders

Providers, please continue to follow the provider check-in/check-out policy. It is important that you provide the check-in/check-out times for accuracy of data and payment.

Providers, if Universal Language Service is unable to provide an interpreter for a requested appointment, it is your federal obligation to provide language access services to your clients per the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Learn more

HCA is committed to improving equitable access to health care services.
The Interpreter Services Program is one way HCA is reducing barriers and increasing equitable access to services.

The program is available for Apple Health providers who need an interpreter to effectively communicate with their AH patients. Skilled and qualified spoken language and sign language interpreters are available.

Providers can request an interpreter for an in-person, over the phone, or video remote appointment.

Check out the Interpreter Services webpage

Interpreter services metrics:
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Interpreter services

Provider participation

Providers are required to assure language access according to Title VI of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Our Interpreter Services Program supports you in this effort by offering interpreter services for Medicaid covered appointments through our contract with Universal.

Participation in our program is voluntary. However, when using the HCA’s state-paid interpreter services, you must follow the program policies and guidelines. Additional information can be found on our HCA interpreter services webpage.

Best practices

As the authorized requestor for interpreter services, you are responsible for connecting your clients with the interpreter. Notating the specific clinic or department in your request will reduce confusion of the location of the job and ensure prompt interpreter services.

If the interpreter does not arrive for the scheduled appointment, you must document the job as an interpreter no-show on the platform.

Reminder that specific interpreters can only be requested for medically necessary treatment. For more information, please visit the Universal FAQ page.

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 2.5 million Washington residents through Apple Health (Medicaid), the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) Program, the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) Program, and the COFA Islander Health Care 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.