Interpreter services for Apple Health Expansion clients: your responsibility as a provider

Washington State Health Care Authority sent this bulletin at 09/19/2024 08:00 AM PDT

September 19, 2024

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Dental care, interpreter services, and Apple Health Expansion

Apple Health Expansion health plans are responsible for providing interpreter services for clients for services covered by managed care. Dental services are not covered by managed care and are paid fee-for-service. Interpreter services are not covered by the Health Care Authority (HCA) or health plans for Apple Health Expansion services paid fee-for-service, such as dental care. Providers are responsible for ensuring their clients have access to interpreter services.

Why are interpreter services unavailable for Apple Health Expansion?

HCA’s Interpreter services program is unavailable for Apple Health Expansion clients because this program is state only funded. This means there are no funds available to provide interpreter services for Apple Health Expansion. Interpreter requests for Apple Health Expansion or other state only funded programs submitted through the HCA Interpreter services program will be rejected or denied.

Does HCA have a long-term plan?

HCA is currently working on a long-term solution to provide interpreter services to Apple Health Expansion clients while receiving dental services. We will send out updates through GovDelivery when a solution is determined.

Where can I get more information?

View frequently asked questions to learn more.

About the Health Care Authority (HCA)

Functioning as both the state's largest health care purchaser and its behavioral health authority, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is a leader in ensuring Washington residents have the opportunity to be as healthy as possible.

There are three pillars of our work: Apple Health (Medicaid); the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) programs; and behavioral health and recovery. Under these pillars, HCA purchases health care, including behavioral health treatment for more than 2.7 million Washington residents and provides behavioral health prevention, crisis, and recovery supports to all Washington residents.

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

Disclosure notice

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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.