Partial federal government shutdown
HCA does not anticipate any immediate impacts to our services or disruption to provider payments at this time. We will continue to monitor the situation and share updates if anything changes.
HCA does not anticipate any immediate impacts to our services or disruption to provider payments at this time. We will continue to monitor the situation and share updates if anything changes.
As an Apple Health provider, you are required to ensure language access services are provided to your Apple Health clients according to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Health Care Authority’s (HCA) interpreter services (IS) supports you in your efforts by offering sign language interpreter services for Apple Health (Medicaid) health care appointments.
HCA offers sign language interpreters to various health care appointments for eligible Apple Health clients and HCA Medicaid enrolled health care providers. For quick reference of who we are and what we offer download our information sheet.
HCA uses the dedicated sign language contracts managed by the Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH) and Department of Enterprise Services (DES). DES and ODHH have a cooperative purchase agreement to provide statewide sign language interpreter services through master contracts available to all state agencies. By using these contracts, HCA minimizes the barriers for deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing clients and increases language match which makes for more equitable health care appointments.
View the training on how to request sign language interpreters using the ODHH online request system and the Statewide Contract.
If you have questions about the statewide contracts or the request process, visit the ODHH website or contact them at:
ODHH contact | Phone | |
---|---|---|
ODHH program manager | 1-360-339-4559 | Berle Ross |
Program support specialist | 1-360-339-4559 | Kate Faro |
As an Apple Health (Medicaid) provider, you are required to provide language access services to any Apple Health Medicaid client that:
Yes, For appointments with deafblind clients, a hearing interpreter, and Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) will be provided. The hearing interpreter will participate remotely. The CDI is an essential staff and will be in the same location as the deafblind client.
Both interpreters will be provided the video platform link you include in the Interpreter Request Form for Medical Providers using Apple Health. The sign language contractor will help coordinate this. If you have questions or need assistance, you must contact the sign language contractor.
The deaf choice Preferred Sign Language Interpreter List form helps clients explain their communication needs and helps sign language contractors find the best communication match. Use this form when your clients need a sign language interpreter. When you request an interpreter, provide the completed form to the sign language contractor.
HCA will only provide reimbursement for requests that are unable to be filled by the DES Statewide Sign Language contractors. For a request to be eligible for our sign language reimbursement process, it must be for:
HCA will only provide reimbursement for requests that are submitted through ProviderOne with a prior authorization (PA) number and are for:
Hourly interpreter rates are reimbursed at the full rate posted on the ODHH interpreter webpage, or a maximum of $55 per hour. You must provide proof of payment for reimbursement. You may also be eligible for reimbursement of mileage, travel time, and/or toll expenses. You must submit paid receipts for travel expenses and must be included on the ProviderOne claim.
You must submit your sign language interpreter requests through the online ODHH sign language request form and obtain an ODHH service request number. If no interpreter has been assigned and you choose to cancel the request and seek reimbursement, you must:
HCA will review and approve or deny the request for reimbursement and provide you with a prior authorization number.
Submit your sign language reimbursement request in ProviderOne claim using the approved ODHH SR reference number and prior authorization number.
To ensure timely processing you must submit your claim for reimbursement no later than 90 days from the date of the appointment. Claims submitted after 90 days will be denied. If you experience difficulties in submitting your claim contract HCA interpreter services.
No, HCA can only reimburse for completed services.
All services allowed through the ODHH/DES master contract may be eligible for reimbursement.
If you need to cancel a request so that you can request reimbursement, you must send a secure email to the ODHH contractor you submitted the sign language request to, including:
For information on how to register as a sign language contractor, see the ODHH master contract webpage.
Apple health providers enter requests through the ODHH online form. Providers and clients can identify their preferred contractor and interpreter through the ODHH online form. Apple Health clients can fill out the deaf choice form and share with their health care providers.
To receive payment, you will have to submit a prior authorization and claim in ProviderOne. The ProviderOne system will require the client's information as well as specific information about the job. Claims that are submitted successfully by 5 p.m. on Tuesdays are paid that Friday. You must have an approved prior authorization reference number to receive payment.
DES approved contractors have access to the ProviderOne system. ProviderOne is the payment system for all Apple Health claims. See the contractor step-by-step guide on how to submit a sign language claim. If you have further questions, please refer to the ProviderOne Billing and Resource Guide.
To ensure HCA will reimburse a contractor, client eligibility must be verified prior to services being rendered. To verify client eligibility, a contractor must enter a prior authorization in ProviderOne. HCA will review and approve or deny the request. Only requests that are approved will be paid by HCA.
Once you are a fully recognized contractor through the DES/ODHH master contract you will need to contact HCA Provider Enrollment. They will assist you in setting up an account with HCA. Once completed you will be eligible to accept Apple Health interpreting jobs.
American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter requests data is visible on our sign language data dashboard.
Email: HCA interpreter services