Language Needs

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Banner Health Plans (BHP) focuses on methods and processes that helps members navigate the health care system, which can be increasingly difficult for members with Limited English Proficiency.

Serving Members by Speaking Their Language

Our health plan members speak lots of different languages. As of March 2024, 78% of members speak English. The following non-English languages are common and preferred among our members: Spanish, Navajo, Chinese, Vietnamese, Arabic, Filipino, Korean, French, German, Russian, Farsi, Assyrian, Serbo-Croatian, and Thai.

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BHP provides interpretation and translation services for members. If you need the following services, please contact our Customer Care Center.

  • Interpretation: SPOKEN word from one language to another.
  • Translation: WRITTEN word from one language to another.
  • Written materials in alternative formats.

Per the AHCCCS Contractor Operations Manual, Chapter 400, Policy 405: 

  • Individuals who do not speak English as their primary language and who have a limited ability to read, write, speak, or understand English may have limited English proficiency (LEP) and be eligible to receive language assistance for a particular type of service, benefit, or encountered as specified in 42 CFR 457.1207, 42 CFR 438.10. 
  • Individuals should have access to oral interpretation, translation, sign language, disability-related services, and provide auxiliary aids and alternative formats upon request, and at no cost. 
  • Translation and interpretation services need to be accurate, timely, and protect the privacy and independence of the individual with LEP. Translation and interpretation services shall be provided by a qualified interpreter/translator. 
  • Individuals are permitted to use an adult accompanying the individual with LEP for translation and/or interpretation 1) in an emergency when there is no qualified interpreter immediately available or 2) when the individual with LEP requests the accompanying adult to interpret or facilitate the communication, the accompanying adult agrees to provide the communication assistance, and reliance on the accompanying adult is reasonable under the circumstances. Individuals are not permitted to rely on a minor child for translation and/or interpretation except in an emergency when there is no qualified interpreter immediately available. 
  • All written materials for individuals shall be translated into Spanish regardless of whether materials are vital.

Member Language Preference Now Available on the Member Roster

When using the self-service portal, eServices, to review the member roster for your group you will now see a column labeled "Language Preference". This field contains the member's preferred language.