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​Sign Language Interpreter Services for Medical Appointments

The Department of Human Services wants to make sure people using sign language have access to Medical Assistance (MA) services. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides that supports, aids and services be supplied to people with disabilities so they can access medical services.

Ask for an interpreter when you schedule your appointment. If you have trouble getting an interpreter, you or someone helping you can ask the Department to help find one. 

Call the Office of Medical Assistance, Bureau of Fee-for-Service Programs and leave a message. Messages are checked daily. If a message is left after normal working hours, we will call you the next day with an interpreter to help you.

If you use a Medicaid Managed Care Organization (MCO), call the Special Needs unit of your MCO for help. Click on the following link to access the Pennsylvania Medicaid Managed Care Organization Directory.

Bureau of Fee-for-Service Programs

Use one of the following methods to request a sign language interpreter

  • Telephone: 866-872-8969 – select Option # 7 and leave a detailed voice mail message.
  • TDD/TTY – PA Relay 711 – give the operator the 1-866-872-8969 phone number to call, choose Option #7 for a sign language interpreter, and leave a detailed voice mail message.
  • Email: MA-Interpreter@pa.gov 

You or someone helping you will need to know the information below when calling 

  • Person's name 
  • Person's ten-digit MA ID number 
  • Doctor's name, address, and phone number 
  • Date and time of appointment 
  • Language needed (American Sign Language, etc) 
  • Reason why the doctor did not provide an interpreter (if known) 

If you need the Department's help please call two weeks before your doctor's appointment. Calling will give the Department enough time to have an interpreter there for your appointment.