The bill mandates that facilities licensed under specific sections of the General Laws must be reimbursed for the costs associated with providing competent interpreter services in both sign and spoken languages. This reimbursement will be recognized and separately compensated by the division and its contracted health insurers, health plans, health maintenance organizations, behavioral health management firms, and third-party contractors involved in managed care or primary care clinician programs. The amendment adds a new provision to Section 13F of chapter 118E of the General Laws to ensure these costs are acknowledged.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new section to Chapter 176O of the General Laws, which requires carriers and behavioral health managers, along with their contractors, to also recognize and separately reimburse the same facilities for the costs of providing competent interpreter services. This aims to ensure that all relevant parties involved in health care provision are accountable for covering the expenses related to interpreter services, thereby enhancing accessibility for individuals who require such assistance.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 118E-13F