Language barriers pose a risk for California HMO enrollees.

Our findings indicate a substantial need for language services for both commercial and public HMO members. Publicly-insured HMO members are generally offered more language services than their commercial counterparts. However, commercial HMOs have been inconsistent in offering such services across types of coverage despite the fact that HMOs receive federal funds and are required to provide language services to members as described in policy guidance from the Office of Civil Rights. A recent amendment to the KnoxKeene Health Care Service Act now requires the California Department of Managed Health Care to oversee and regulate language services in licensed HMOs, including interpreter and translation services for commercial enrollees in managed care plans.