Language Access

ColumbiaCare Services strives to meet National Cultural and Linguistical Appropriate Service Standards (CLAS) and is committed to reducing language barriers clients may experience when it comes to understanding what services are available to them, as well as accessing and receiving care.
You are legally entitled to free interpretation or translation services.
English: If you have difficulty understanding English or have a disability, free language
assistance or other aids and services are available upon request
Chinese (Simple): 如果您理解英语有困难或有残疾，可应要求提供免费语言援助或其他帮助和服务
Chinese (Traditional): 如果您理解英語有困難或有殘疾，可应要求提供免費語言援助或其他幫助和服務
Korean: 영어를 이해하시는 데 어려움이 있거나 장애가 있는 경우, 요청하시면 무료 언어 지원 또는 기타 지원 및 서비스를 이용하실 수 있습니다
Russian: Если у вас есть трудности с пониманием английского языка или у вас инвалидность, по запросу предоставляется бесплатная языковая помощь или другие вспомогательные средства и услуги
Vietnamese: Nếu quý vị gặp khó khăn trong việc hiểu tiếng Anh hoặc bị khuyết tật, hỗ trợ ngôn ngữ miễn phí hoặc các hỗ trợ và dịch vụ khác được cung cấp theo yêu cầu

Some examples for the language services that you are entitled to are:

  • Spoken language interpreters (in-person or remote)
  • Sign language interpreters (in-person or remote)
  • Communication with bilingual and bicultural staff (depending on availability)
  • Translated materials
  • Large print
  • And other services upon request.

Some examples of when you can request language services are:

  • If you need to speak with staff
  • Scheduled appointments
  • If you need help understanding behavioral healthcare materials
  • When you need to understand documents before signing
  • When you have questions about cost and services
HOW TO  HAVE A SUCCESSFUL APPOINTMENT WHEN WORKING WITH A HEALTH CARE INTERPRETER (HIC):
  • Speak directly to staff or the service provider
  • Speak slowly with only one to two sentences at a time
  • Allow your HCI to finish interpreting before continuing
  • Do not ask the HCI any questions or have side conversations with the HCI. Any and all questions should be directed to staff or the service provider.
  • Know that everything you say will be interpreted when working with an HCI.
SPANISH             RUSSIAN             CHINESE             VIETNAMESE             KOREAN            ASL
If you need any of the services mentioned above, please notify the staff at your program. You can also request services by utilizing a preferred language card; these cards notify providers at CCS or elsewhere, of your preferred language and interpretation needs. You can print these out yourself or request one from your program. Above you will find links to the preferred language cards in the top six languages.
You can find the preferred language cards in additional languages at the following link: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/EI/Pages/Preferred-Language-Cards.aspx
If you need service navigation support, contact your Coordinated Care Organization. Have additional questions or interpreter and translation needs?
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​Contact Language Access at languageaccess@columbiacare.org