Elaine Saly: 5 things states can do to tackle language barriers in the health insurance marketplace

1. Translate online and paper versions of the application that consumers will use to apply for health coverage into the most common languages in the state.
2. Include taglines on the application, marketplace website, and consumer notices in at least 15 languages to inform consumers about how to get information or help in another language.
3. Select organizations that provide bicultural and bilingual assistance to limited English proficiency populations to serve as navigators that will help people learn about and enroll in coverage.
4. Train call-center representatives to provide enrollment assistance on how to assess language needs, secure interpretation services, and work effectively with language interpreters.
5. Ensure all entities that provide enrollment assistance have access to translated materials and trained interpreters who can provide competent translation assistance.

Notes: Based on "Implementing Exchanges: Language Access Checklist For Marketplace Implementation," developed by Families USA and the National Health Law Program
Source: Enroll America blog, June 4, 2013
Source URL: http://www.enrollamerica.org/blog/helping-your-state-tackle-...

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