The bill proposes amendments to the General Laws to mandate that all individual or group health insurance contracts, as well as hospital or medical expense insurance policies, plans, or group policies delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed in the state on or after January 1, 2025, include coverage for qualified interpreter services. These services are to be provided to non-English speaking patients during one-on-one, face-to-face medically necessary office visits. The coverage for interpreter services is stipulated to be provided only to the extent that such services are not already mandated by federal law or regulation.

The bill affects several chapters of the General Laws, specifically those related to Accident and Sickness Insurance Policies (Chapter 27-18), Nonprofit Hospital Service Corporations (Chapter 27-19), Nonprofit Medical Service Corporations (Chapter 27-20), and Health Maintenance Organizations (Chapter 27-41), by inserting new sections that outline the requirements for coverage of interpreter services. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage. The legislative intent is to ensure that non-English speakers receive the necessary interpreter services during medical appointments without the barrier of additional costs, provided these services are not already covered under federal requirements.