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Greetings. We're talking about Medicaid, not to be confused with Medicare. Those two
are different. Medicare is for people age 65 and up, or people who have disabilities.
That aside, Medicaid is for people with limited income who could not afford private health
insurance. If you receive Medicaid to help pay for your healthcare, here is some
important information about using interpreters at your doctor visits.
As of September 1, 2007, when you make an appointment with your doctor, you've
requested for them to provide a sign language interpreter for effective communication,
and they've done so. After the appointment is over, first the doctor pays the interpreter,
and then bills Medicaid for reimbursement.
Before 2007, doctors sometimes hesitated in providing interpreters because of the
expense. As a Medicaid recipient, you have your appointment, and then the doctor bills
Medicaid. He or she is reimbursed a very small amount. Then they pay out-of-pocket
for the interpreter, leaving no profit for the doctor. Now Medicaid covers much of the
cost of the interpreter.
There are some guidelines on using this program I'd like to explain. First, it's only for
physicians. Other professionals accept Medicaid, like therapists, counselors, nursing
homes, dentists, etc. They accept Medicaid, yes, but it doesn't mean Medicaid would
reimburse for the sign language interpreter. It's only for physicians.
Next, only doctors with 15 or fewer employees in their office may be reimbursed. If they
have more than that, the doctor must pay out-of-pocket for the cost of interpreters.
Next, they can only use interpreters who are certified by Texas BEI or National RID.
The interpreter must be certified.
Next, remember this is only for Medicaid recipients. If you have other health insurance
like Medicare or private insurance, Medicaid would not reimburse for the cost of
interpreters.
And next, the interpreters are for patients who are Deaf or children's parents or
guardians who are Deaf. Those are the guidelines.
Now, something very important! If you make an appointment for the doctor and don't go
and don't let them know you can't make it, the interpreter would have no way of knowing
and may go to the appointment. Unfortunately, Medicaid would not reimburse for that
cost of the interpreter. So if you make an appointment and something comes up -
there's a conflict - let the doctor know. They can contact the interpreter and cancel,
and everything will be fine. If you don't let them know and the interpreter goes to
the appointment, the doctor is stuck paying for
the interpreter. We appreciate the physicians out there who provide interpreters
when needed for effective communication. Medicaid has made it easier for them. So if
you have Medicaid, keep this information in mind. You might need it in the future.