HMO Guide for Seniors - Office of the Patient Advocate - State of ...

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Questions & Answers
How can I make sure
I get the language
assistance I need?
Ask your HMO, doctor,
and pharmacy to make
a note of the assistance
you need.
My doctor’s office said
I should bring someone
to interpret for me. Do
I have to?
No. Your doctor should
provide an interpreter. If
you have a problem, call
your HMO. If that does
not help, see page 60.
Do I have to pay for an
interpreter?
This service is usually free.
Check with your HMO.
What if I use sign
language?
You have the right to a
sign language interpreter.
Try not to rely on
lip-reading. For more
information, call Deaf
Counseling, Advocacy,
and Referral Agency.
things you can do
Making Appointments
Ask if your doctor or HMO has staff who speak
your language and can help you make
appointments.
If you will need an interpreter, tell your doctor’s
office as far ahead as you can.
Ask your doctor’s office to note in your medical
record that you need an interpreter and need
documents in your language.
Find a Doctor
Ask your HMO for a list of doctors who speak
your language.
Your HMO’s website may have a provider directory
that lists the languages the doctors speak.
For More Information
To compare HMOs’ language services, visit
www.opa.ca.gov.
For more resources and information in Spanish
and Chinese, visit www.opa.ca.gov.
where to find help
Deaf Counseling, Advocacy, and Referral Agency
Resources for people who are Deaf
1-877-322-7299
1-877-322-7288 (TTY) www.dcara.org
Office of the Patient Advocate
Information on HMOs’ language assistance services
www.opa.ca.gov