Skip to main content

Oregon State Flag An official website of the State of Oregon »

Oregon Health Authority

Providing Interpreter Services to Oregon Health Plan Members

Arranging Services

For coordinated care organization (CCO) members, please contact the CCO to learn how to schedule interpreter services.

For Oregon Health Plan members who are not enrolled in a CCO:

Health Care Interpreter Portal

OHA is working on building an online portal for scheduling and paying for interpreter services. OHA expects to complete this work by 2028. Learn more about OHA's work on this project

State and Federal Requirements

Under your provider enrollment agreement with OHA, you agree to follow all pertinent state and federal laws, including civil rights laws, as a condition of payment. 

These laws require any provider that receives federal Medicaid dollars to provide “meaningful access” to individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP).

  • The size or type of provider does not matter. If you bill CCOs or OHA for services to OHP members, you are receiving Medicaid dollars.  
  • “Meaningful access” means people with LEP have access to the same level and quality of services as people who are proficient in English. Interpreter services for people with LEP should always be available to ensure meaningful access. 
  • Under Section 1557 providers must tell patients that these services are available free of charge. Interpreter services must also be timely and protect the privacy and independence of the person with LEP. The interpreter must be a qualified healthcare interpreter.

Language access requirements for CCOs and dental care organizations are located in Chapter 410 Division 141 of the Oregon Administrative Rules.

Links

Language Access

Resources to ensure meaningful access to services:

Oregon Board of Pharmacy

Language access requirements for pharmacies:

OHA Equity and Inclusion Division

Other resources to help providers advance health equity:

HHS Office for Civil Rights

Resources to support provider compliance with federal civil rights laws: