An Act requiring reimbursement for the costs of providing competent interpreter services

This bill requires health insurers, managed care organizations, and government health programs to separately reimburse licensed facilities for the costs of providing competent interpreters (for both sign language and spoken languages). It directly affects hospitals, clinics, and other facilities licensed under specific Massachusetts laws that serve patients with limited English proficiency or hearing disabilities. The key provision mandates that these entities recognize and pay for interpreter services as a distinct cost, rather than bundling them into other fees. This policy change ensures facilities aren't financially burdened for providing essential language access services.