Health Policy/Advocacy
Proving the Worth of Medical Interpretation
Understanding a patient with limited English proficiency can literally mean the difference between life and death. A lack of basic communication between patients who do not speak or understand English and their medical providers can cause misdiagnosis and critical mistakes in hospitals, clinics and doctor’s offices throughout Connecticut.
As a way to improve patient-provider communication, the federal government provides states with matching funds to help cover the cost of face-to-face interpretation services for Medicaid beneficiaries. But Connecticut did not participate in the federal matching program, nor did it provide face-to-face medical interpretation services to families insured under Medicaid.
CT Health realized that the actual cost and benefit of participating in the federal matching program was both affordable and valuable. The foundation commissioned a report on the financial feasibility of providing these interpretation services as part of Connecticut’s Medicaid program. At the same time, CT Health made a number of small grants to community organizations to create a coalition dedicated to increasing the number of medical interpreters in their communities. These investments, along with the passionate advocacy work of our partners, were instrumental in creating a groundswell of grassroots support for medical interpretation services and in changing state policy.
Lessons Learned
Get Feedback on Research
The CT Health policy report not only broke down facts and figures to show the exact impacts and benefits of medical interpretation services for Medicaid services, but researchers also asked providers practical questions. Initially experts recommended one type of reimbursement structure, but health care providers and advocates invited to review draft report results presented feedback about what is effective and what is not.
Legislation Isn’t the Last Step
Helping to pass legislation is a great feeling, but it doesn’t guarantee funding or lasting policy change. Currently, there is no budget line item to fund medical interpretation services in our state’s Medicaid program. But, the foundation’s policy and advocacy work has helped mobilize organizations to teach medical interpretation and individuals to establish the Medical Interpreting Association of CT.
