Reimbursement for Interpreters?

The costs of providing interpreter services for the deaf and patients who don’t speak English are rising for health care providers. Often the cost of interpretation exceeds the reimbursement for the services rendered.

As a result, the Minnesota Medical Group Management Association (MMGMA) is working with health care providers to create a bill that would require health plans to reimburse providers for interpreter services.

The goal of the bill would be to maintain access for people in need of interpretive services. This need continues to grow as the number of immigrants grows. Currently, health care providers must cover the cost of interpreter services by either providing staff, contracting out, or offering telecommunications services. But the cost often exceeds the cost of the patient exam.

Additionally, MinnesotaCare and Medical Assistance currently are only required to pay for interpreter services during face-to-face time with providers. MMGMA is working to expand reimbursement for all visits requiring interpretation.

Along with MMGMA, supporting a bill for the reimbursement of interpretive services are the Minnesota Medical Association, Minnesota Hospital Association, Minnesota Provider Coalition, Minnesota Commission Serving Deaf and Hard of Hearing People, and Minnesota Rural Health Association.

Read more about interpretive services.