Here’s how to access and use health care interpreters
Language can sometimes be a barrier to receiving the right health care. Did you know that as a member of Columbia Pacific CCO and the Oregon Health Plan, you have a legal right to free interpretation services? It’s the law! Translations must be provided to make sure you get the right care and always understand.
If you do not speak or read English, or prefer to discuss your health care in a different language, including sign language, Columbia Pacific is here to serve you. Medical language translations will be provided to you at your convenience, and at no cost.
Here are some examples of when you have the right to request language services:
- Any time you talk to someone in your provider’s office
- Provider visits (in-person, phone and video)
- Reading or understanding health care information
- At the pharmacy
- When you need help with transportation
- For dental or mental health appointments
- When you need to understand a document before you sign it
- When you have questions about your coverage or costs
- Giving feedback about your care
- When you need to talk to someone about your care
- When you’re not sure about the next steps in your care
- Other times, like help with housing, food resources and more
Free language services – including access to interpreters and translations of written material – are your right and should be simple to access. If you need any help with language services or have any complaints, we want to hear about it. Call Columbia Pacific Customer Service at 855-722-8206 or TTY 711, or send us a secure message through the member portal at colpachealth.org/for-members/member-portal
