Bill > H4341

This bill requires that the state's Division of Medical Assistance and health insurers separately reimburse medical facilities for the costs of providing interpreter services in both sign and spoken languages. Specifically, facilities licensed under certain sections of Massachusetts law (chapters 19 and 111) will be able to receive direct compensation for interpreter services, which are essential for ensuring effective communication between healthcare providers and patients who may have language barriers or hearing impairments. The bill amends existing laws to mandate that carriers, health plans, health maintenance organizations, behavioral health management firms, and other contracted entities must recognize and separately reimburse these interpreter service costs. By doing so, the legislation aims to ensure that healthcare facilities are not financially burdened when providing critical language access services, which are important for delivering equitable and comprehensive healthcare to all patients, regardless of their language abilities or hearing status.

Health and Social Services

Joint Committee on Financial Services (J)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4341