Interpreter services (providers)
The Interpreter Services Program (ISP) allows Apple Health (Medicaid) providers to request qualified spoken language interpreters and sign language interpreters for prescheduled health care appointments in clinical settings.
If you are an Apple Health client, visit the Interpreter services for clients webpage.
Spoken language interpreter services procurement update
For updates about the spoken language interpreter services procurement, visit the HCA Announcements page.
On this page
Stay informed about interpreter services updates and activities.
Provider responsibility
As an Apple Health provider, you are responsible for providing appropriate language access services to your clients as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The ISP helps you meet federal language access obligations by providing qualified interpreters (QI) at no additional cost for eligible requests.
Types of interpretation
- Spoken language
-
- In-person interpreting (IPI)
- Over the phone interpreting (OPI)
- Video remote interpreting (VRI)
- Sign language
-
- In-person interpreting (IPI)
- Virtual interpreting (VI)
Interpreter request requirements
Interpreter requests must:
- Be submitted before the scheduled health care appointment, aka prescheduled.
- Meet the eligibility requirements in the Interpreter Services Billing Guide.
Requests may be eligible when:
- The provider is with enrolled Apple Health.
- The client is enrolled with Apple Health.
- The health care service is covered by the client's benefit package.
- The request is submitted before the appointment and eligibility is confirmed.
Apple Health providers are federally required to provide language access services, even if an interpreter cannot be provided through the Interpreter Services Program (ISP).
How providers request an interpreter
The process for requesting an interpreter depends on the type of interpretation needed.
- Request a spoken language interpreter
-
Spoken language interpreter requests are submitted through the Health Care Authority’s (HCA) contracted vendor, Universal Language Service (UniversalLanguage).
- Request a sign language interpreter
-
Sign language interpreter requests are submitted through the Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH).