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 Summer 2008

¿Habla Español?

Es la ley para que los doctores, los hospitales y los planes de salud proporcionen un intérprete, gratis, cuando una persona no puede hablar o entender inglés bien.

It’s the law for doctors, hospitals, and health plans to provide an interpreter for free when a person is not able to speak English well.

To get the best care, you have to be able to tell your doctor what’s wrong with you. And then the doctor has to be able to tell you about the care you’ll get. This can be hard if you and your doctor don’t speak the same language.

Unless we know that someone wants or needs language help, we won’t be able to help arrange for it. Here are some things you can do, depending on your language skills.

  • Carry an “I Speak …” card that tells others you need an interpreter. See below.
  • Let Member Services know you need an interpreter so that we can put a note in your file. The next time you call, we can get an interpreter on the phone right away.
  • Share this article with family or friends who may not know their rights.
  • Volunteer as an interpreter for the ProMedica Language Assistance Program.

Image of an I Speak Spanish cardA Card for Spanish-Speaking Members
This wallet card lets people know that you need a Spanish interpreter. To request a card in Spanish or another language, call Member Services at 1-419-887-2525 or toll-free 1-800-462-3589 (TTY: 1-419-887-2526 or 1-888-740-5670).