Any member who is deaf and requests services by an interpreter, it is the responsibility of the provider’s office to obtain the interpreter for the member. This is through the Americans with Disabilities Act. Per the Legal Compliance brought by the ADA – “Offices should provide interpreters or CART when request to do so at no expense to the deaf or hard of hearing consumer who requires reasonable accommodation to participate equally in the services or programs said entity is offering to the general public."

Members who need a language translator for their provider office visit should request it from the provider. There is a federal requirement that providers who receive federal dollars (like payments from Medicare) provide meaningful access to individuals with limited English proficiency. It is not the member’s nor BCBSRI’s responsibility to provide that for members at their provider's office.