Interpreter services through HCA will be different than what many BH providers are using currently. HCA’s Interpreter Services program has shared an FAQ page and slide deck to help providers understand what to expect from upcoming changes in interpreter services, which start January 1 as part of Integrated Managed Care (IMC).
Update 10/1/19 from HCA:
The Health Care Authority (HCA) is reaching out to provide information about how to use our interpreter services vendor, Universal Language Service. Please forward this information on to the Integrated Managed Care (IMC) providers in your region.
In order for interpreter services to be covered by HCA, you must provide Universal Language Service (Universal) the client’s ProviderOne number, client’s full name and date of birth, and your NPI in order to verify:
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Services are an eligible Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) medical benefit; and
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The client is an eligible Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) client; and
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Services are authorized and provided by a HCA Medicaid Provider (Enrolled as an HCA provider)
Universal reviews eligibility of clients at the time of request, 48 hours prior to the appointment, and the day of the service. If you do not provide the client’s ProviderOne number or your NPI, you will be responsible for paying for the interpreter services appointment.
If eligibility is verified but Universal is unable to fill the request with an interpreter, the provider/requester has the option to cancel the request and go to a private agency and follow our reimbursement process.
For additional information about our interpreter services program, please visit HCA’s Interpreter Services webpage.
Update 12/17/18 from HCA:
Good afternoon, we would like to share the recorded versions of the Interpreter Services webinar for managed care providers in regions integrating Jan. 1. Below are links to all four sessions for those who would like to review the material prior to the New Year:
9/25 https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8381003587167261955
10/4 https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2757391937263771395
11/15 https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1329891592875710211
11/20 https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6688722150655965699
Questions that came up during the presentation have been incorporated into the Q&A on the Interpreter Services website:
https://www.hca.wa.gov/billers-providers-partners/programs-and-services/interpreter-services
Look under “Resources” and be sure to check back later for updates. Also, don’t forget to sign up to the GovDelivery Interpreter Services mailing list if you would like messaging about this program (or any other Apple Health program) sent to your inbox:
https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/WAHCA/subscriber/new?preferences=true#tab1
If you have questions about these webinars or other Interpreter Services questions, contact Jason Bergman at jason.bergman@hca.wa.gov.
Updated 10/29/18: The HCA has provided an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter services FAQ. For more information on ASL services, including who to contact with questions, see HCA’s Oct. 26 bulletin.
