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Spoken and sign language interpreter services at the
Washington State Health Care Authority. |
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Welcome to Washington State Health Care Authority's (HCA) Interpreter Services Program newsletter. This newsletter is a space for us to share program updates and reminders with you.
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Important Updates
1. Request for Proposal released
On November 21, 2025, HCA released a Request for Proposal (RFP) to reprocure the Coordinating Entity for spoken language interpreter requests. More information is available on our Spoken language interpreter services request for proposal announcement.
2. Billing Guide update
As of August 15, 2025, the Interpreter Services Billing Guide has been updated. An overview of important updates is provided on page 3 of the guide.
3. Collective Bargaining Agreement update
As of July 1, 2025, the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the State of Washington and WFSE AFSCME Council 28 has been finalized.
Key changes include:
- Language access provider (LAP) rate increases for in-person interpreting (IPI), over-the-phone interpreting (OPI), and video remote interpreting (VRI) services. See the Interpreter Services Billing Guide for details.
- Updated distribution of funds for LAPs when in-person appointments end early.
4. Contract update
Effective July 1, 2025, HCA's in-person spoken language interpreting contract (K2474) was amended to provide interpreter services for HCA Apple Health appointments only.
Interpreter/LAP reminder
- VRI requests may be missing links or other information if they are submitted within minutes of the scheduled appointment time. Call the Universal Language Service scheduling interpreter line at 425-452-5644 or email Jobs@ulsonline.net to ensure a link is set up for these last-minute appointments.
Provider reminders
- Providers may request a specific interpreter for an appointment only when it is considered medically necessary. View the Specific Interpreter Policy for more information.
- Providers must use the Family Member Appointment request process when requesting interpreters for multiple household members who are being seen at the same time. This guide outlines the process for providers to submit last-minute requests, ensuring that client eligibility is reviewed and appropriate compensation is issued for the appointments.
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- The Contractor Guide for HCA Interpreter Services Program was most recently updated on July 1, 2025. This guide provides up-to-date guidance to Department of Enterprise Services (DES) sign language contractors. It also includes step-by-step procedures for how to submit sign language prior authorizations and claims in ProviderOne for HCA Interpreter Services appointments.
Provider reminder
- Due to the ongoing shortage of sign language interpreters, please submit interpreter requests as early as possible. It is standard to request a sign language interpreter at a minimum of three weeks prior to the appointment date, when possible.
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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).
HCA's Interpreter Services Program supports this effort by offering interpreter services for eligible pre-scheduled appointments for Medicaid health care professionals serving Apple Health (Medicaid) clients who require access to quality, efficient language during their health care services. Skilled and qualified spoken language and sign language interpreters are available.
Participation in our program is voluntary. However, when using the HCA’s interpreter services, you must follow the program policies and guidelines.
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