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Health Equity Information and Resources

The core purpose of the Operations Team is to establish and maintain the Public Health Division's infrastructure and capabilities to actively use data and equity principles to deliver the 10 essential public health services and improve the public's health

Contact Info:

Hannah Ostheimer
Performance Improvement Manager
122 West 25th Street, 3rd Floor West
Cheyenne, WY 82002
307-777-8946

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Language Access

What is Language Access?
Language access is the practice of ensuring that individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) or who are Deaf or hard of hearing can communicate effectively to participate in programs and receive services.

What does it mean to interpret? An interpreter is someone who converts an oral or signed message from one language to another. It is spoken or signed.

What does it mean to translate? A translator is someone who converts a written text to another language, in writing. It is written.

Interested in an interactive look at the most commonly requested and used languages for interpretation services in Wyoming in public health settings? Click to view our interactive data.

Public Health Division Language Access Plan

The Wyoming Department of Health has a Language Access Plan, providing helpful information and guidance on language access for PHD programs. This plan is available as a downloadable PDF. 

For questions or concerns, please contact Hannah Ostheimer.

Interpreter Training Opportunities

Training Opportunities

Interpretation Services Coverage

Medical interpreters can be paid for their services. For public health services delivered by the State of Wyoming, the Public Health Division has a contract with a language access service provider.

Wyoming Medicaid Coverage

As of May 2024, Wyoming Medicaid enrolled interpreters can once again bill Wyoming Medicaid directly for interpreter services. Interpreter providers who were enrolled with Wyoming Medicaid on July 1, 2023, will be reactivated. Interpreters who were not active with Wyoming Medicaid on July 1, 2023, will need to enroll to bill for their services. These providers can complete the enrollment application via the HHS Provider Enrollment portal. An interpreter must adhere to national standards developed by the National Council on Interpreting in Health Care (NCIHC) and show certification of training in medical terminology or healthcare. If a Wyoming Medicaid provider has their own interpreter that meets the criteria, they may still bill for the interpreter service.

The CMS-1500 provider manual will be updated with the July 2024 revision. Interpreter providers should follow the billing procedures provided below:

  • Interpreters may bill for the same member on the same day more than once if provided in conjunction with Medicaid healthcare services delivered by different providers.
  • The diagnosis code for interpretation services is Z71.0.
  • The procedure code for interpretation services is T1013, and interpreters must bill with the appropriate number of units provided. Example: One (1) unit = 15 minutes of service
  • When not providing services in person, interpreters must use the GT modifier.

Contact Healthcare Financing for more assistance:

Healthcare Financing Division
122 W. 25th St., 4th Floor West
Cheyenne, WY 82002
Phone: (307) 777-7531
Fax: (307) 777-6964

Worker’s Compensation

  • Use Claim Form WSCD-6N to bill for interpretation services and submit to the Division of Worker’s Compensation by the 30th of each month for prior month services.
  • Services are billable in 15-minute increments at the Medicaid rate.
Language Access Toolkit

This toolkit of resources is intended to support translators and interpreters.

Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Health Care (CLAS) Standards

The National CLAS Standards are intended to advance health equity, improve quality, and help eliminate health care disparities by establishing a blueprint for health and health care organizations. Culturally and linguistically appropriate services are respectful of and responsive to the health beliefs, practices, and needs of diverse patients. The enhanced Standards are a comprehensive series of guidelines that inform, guide and facilitate practices related to culturally and linguistically appropriate health services. Additional resources are listed below.

Emergency Multilingual Phrasebook
Wyoming State Language Access Network (WYSNLA)

The Wyoming State Language Access Network (WYSNLA) is a community of legal and healthcare professionals, law enforcement, interpreters, translators, service providers, advocates, and community members dedicated to ensuring Wyoming’s local and state agencies understand and comply with the language access provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This group is not part of, or affiliated with, the Wyoming Department of Health.