The Health Care Authority (HCA) recently sent the following alert to dental Medicaid providers.

Current Apple Health Sign Language Interpreter Request Process

Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) switched to a new sign language interpreter process on January 1, 2020.

There is now a master contract with multiple interpreter agencies and independent contractors available to complete appointments for Apple Health clients. To request an interpreter, you must enter the request in the ProviderOne portal. Apple Health cannot provide, or issue payment for any interpreter unless it is entered into ProviderOne.

Visit the Sign language interpreter contract transition webpage for a step-by-step guide for creating sign language interpreter requests in ProviderOne, as well as the Master Interpreter Request Form. Remember to upload this form in ProviderOne with your request.

If you follow this process and an interpreter is not available, Apple Health might be able to reimburse you for the cost of obtaining your own interpreter. Please see our Provider Reimbursement FAQ for more information about this process.  

As a reminder, providers are required to ensure spoken and sign language access according to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Please contact HCA interpreter Services at interpretersvcs@hca.wa.gov with any questions, or to request assistance with this process.