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E-learning is a simple, economical way for people to receive online training tailored to fit their needs, right down to the languages they speak. E-learning allows companies to provide their employees with content-rich training, delivered over the Internet to their employees’ desktops, laptops or other devices. E-learning gives consumers easy access to all types of business and professional coursework, from computer and technology training to certification programs, classroom-type instruction, and online education courses in a nearly infinite variety of subjects. If you dream it, chances are you can learn it online through an e-learning course. As e-learning has risen in popularity, so has the need to produce e-learning coursework in a variety of languages. This is especially relevant to companies with a global workforce in place. Creating e-learning content in numerous languages makes sense when your workforce is multi-lingual and international.  Translating e-learning modules into a variety of languages is also smart when you are catering to clientele in various cultures. Translating e-learning materials is more than just linguistics. Audio and video must sync correctly, text must match graphic elements, supplemental coursework and materials must be accurately translated, and software for testing and assessments must perform correctly. At Avantpage, we offer e-learning translation and localization designed to present content in the languages you choose. Voice-Over Audio, Subtitles, Text Translation, Graphics – we provide a wide range of e-learning translation and localization services. Contact us today to discover more about e-learning translation and localization, and to get started with a free quote. If you like more detailed information or consultation,
please feel free to contact
David Serra,
Senior Director of Client Services tel: 530 750 2040 x12
cel: 530 400 2890

Every year, Avantpage conducts a survey designed to gather information from our clients on how we are doing and where we can improve. This year is no different. We are putting the finishing touches on our 2014 Survey, and hope to have it in our clients’ hands by the second week of December. We believe in staying connected with the folks who use and depend on our translation and linguistic services, and we also believe that customer care is a two-way street. By surveying our clientele, we gain information that helps us determine which services are utilized most, where we need to focus more time and energy, and where we can consolidate or combine our efforts to be more effective. Every survey response counts, and by taking the time to listen to our respondents, we gain the information we need to implement positive change based on client needs and wants. From adding additional services to refining our software and project management systems, the survey gives our clients a voice for change that we take very seriously. We strongly encourage all our clients to take our survey, and we will be sending out an email with the survey attached in the next week or so. The survey takes only minutes to complete online, but the information gleaned from it will allow Avantpage to concentrate on improving the client experience by delivering service of exceptional quality and value. Avantpage will post our 2014 Survey results in a subsequent blog and client email.

Parents Offer False Information on Language Surveys to Help Kids Avoid “English Learner” Classification An article written by Amy Taxin of The Associated Press and appearing in the Sacramento Bee (Parents Lie on Language Survey, 11/17/14) discussed how some parents do not always tell the truth on their children’s school language surveys. The California public school system provides a simple home language survey for parents of kindergarteners, which is intended to identify “English Learners” and give them extra assistance in learning English. The survey asks what languages are spoken at home, and many parents choose “English” even when that is not their primary home language. According to census data, almost 44 percent of California residents age 5 and older speak a language other than English. The most common language is Spanish. Parents who speak a language other than English at home do not want their children labeled as “English Learners,” because they fear that this designation will hold them back in school. They feel that their children should not be separated out from native English-speaking children, and worry that their children could miss out on learning opportunities if this occurs. Educators, on the other hand, say that failing to identify English Learners properly can violate federal laws guaranteeing access to education, and prevents the children from receiving the language assistance they need. There are no easy answers for this situation, and parents who believe strongly that their children not be labeled will continue to indicate that their children and family members speak English at home, even when they do not. Even though children of Limited English Proficiency (LEP) families can assimilate into school as English speakers, their parents and grandparents often still struggle with English and require translation into their primary language in order to read and understand education, health care and legal materials. They may also prefer to read other written documents and information in their primary language, even though they read and write some English. For more information on translation and other linguistic services, please visit www.avantpage.com. We provide translation, localization, DTP, and a host of other linguistic services to help organizations facilitate communication in all languages both locally and globally. If you like more detailed information or consultation,
please feel free to contact
David Serra,
Senior Director of Client Services tel: 530 750 2040 x12
cel: 530 400 2890

When a person with LEP (Limited English Proficiency) picks up their medication from a California pharmacy, sometimes they cannot read the instruction label.  Pharmacies are required to offer oral interpretation services to provide instruction to patients, but they are not required to provide translated labeling on medication bottles. Pharmacists resist bilingual labeling because they feel that they are unable to validate medication instructions in a language they do not speak or understand, and therefore would be held liable for any mistakes occurring in the translation. Language access advocates feel strongly that there is greater risk to patients when they cannot read the labeling, and they promote translation of printed labels. There is proposed legislation to require translated labeling in California.  A committee met in September to make a formal recommendation, and now the proposed statutory requirement waits for further work by a board committee before it is reviewed by the state board of pharmacy in late January. Other states have other requirements. New York passed the Safe Rx Act in 2012, which requires pharmacy chains of eight stores or more to provide oral interpretation at the pharmacy either in person or by phone and to provide translated prescription labels in Chinese, Italian, Russian, or Spanish to non–English-speaking patients. New York’s legislation makes sure pharmacies are not liable for third-party translation errors. While New York’s mandate only requires labels in four languages, many New York state pharmacies offer additional languages. Some pharmacies have voluntarily offered prescription labels in different languages. Walgreens offers prescription instructions in 21 of the languages most commonly spoken in the United States, and this service is available in many states including California. For more information on medical and healthcare translation, please visit Avantpage at www.avantpage.com. We provide a full range of linguistic services for the healthcare industry.

In a giant tour bus emblazoned with Covered California’s now-familiar logo, community members, business owners and Covered California officials hit the road Monday, November 10^th for a 21-city enrollment tour. This unique outreach program is geared toward getting as many uninsured Californians as possible to sign up for affordable health care through Covered California. With stops in Fresno, Merced, Bakersfield, and a host of other California cities, the nine-day tour is expected to reach out to a large number of interested health care consumers. This bus tour is part of a 95-million-dollar community outreach campaign to encourage enrollment and provide information. The enrollment period is shorter this time around – only three months – and so it is even more important that potential enrollees and those renewing policies start the enrollment process early. Covered California offers expanded information on their website in Arabic, Armenian, Chinese, Farsi, Filipino, Khmer, Hmong, Korean, Lao, Russian, Spanish and Vietnamese. LEP (Limited English Proficient) enrollees can find enrollment forms, the 2015 Covered California Fact Sheet; Enrolling In Quality Health Coverage: A Step-by-Step Guide; Getting More Affordable Health Coverage, What You Need to Know; Special Enrollment Fact Sheet, and other resources in their own languages. Accurate, culturally appropriate translation is critical to helping enrollees understand and process the forms and information regarding Covered California health care. Translation is critical for health plans as well: plans need to present information so that Limited English Proficient consumers can navigate their way through coverage options and make educated health choices. For more information on health care translation, please visit our website at www.avantpage.com. Avantpage has been offering translation, localization, and other linguistic services to the health care industry for over 15 years. If you like more detailed information or consultation,
please feel free to contact
David Serra,
Senior Director of Client Services tel: 530 750 2040 x12
cel: 530 400 2890

Covered California, California’s state health insurance exchange, offers information to new enrollees in Spanish and English. Information sheets are available through the website in 11 other languages. However, once LEP (Limited English Proficiency) customers have enrolled in a health plan, notices and information have gone out to them in English, even though they indicated they would prefer to be contacted in different languages. As a result, some enrollees have received vital information detailing coverage changes or payment issues in English, and were unable to understand what was being communicated to them. Covered California is working to include more languages in its mailings, especially renewal forms. Currently these are sent out in English and Spanish, but plans are in the works to include other languages as Covered California expands. Other letters and forms have been translated and sent in Korean, Chinese and Vietnamese.  However, Covered California enrollees speak many other languages, and it is critical that important information be translated and delivered in the languages they can read and understand. Even though federal and state laws prohibit discrimination based on language, not every document is required to be translated, and required languages are based on population demographics.  This means that some languages are not represented adequately through translation, and the people who speak them may be missing important communication regarding their health care coverage, benefits, etc. If an individual feels that lack of language access contributed to a loss of benefits, they may consider filing an appeal with Covered California. Covered California’s open enrollment for 2015 coverage begins November 15, 2014 and ends February 15, 2015.  For more information on Covered California, visit their website at http://www.coveredca.com/. To learn more about how our health care translation teams provide expert, culturally sensitive health care translation in numerous threshold languages, click here, or visit www.avantpage.com Want a FREE quote? Click here to get started! If you like more detailed information or consultation,
please feel free to contact
David Serra,
Senior Director of Client Services tel: 530 750 2040 x12
cel: 530 400 2890

Recently Governor Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill 505 into effect. AB 505 was authored by Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian (District 46) and sponsored by the  California Pan-Ethnic Health Network (CPEHN). This bill  offers greater protection to Limited English Proficient Medi-Cal enrollees by outlining new requirements for oral interpretation and written translation of Medi-Cal services. Medi-Cal has recently seen enrollment numbers increase substantially due to expansions within the Affordable Care Act. Of these new enrollees, over a third speak English “less than very well,” and are considered Limited English Proficient. It is important that these LEP Medi-Cal enrollees are provided with written materials that they can understand, follow and refer to in their own languages. Accurate translation performed by translators who are familiar with healthcare terms, jargon and legal language is critical to creating successful Medi-Cal health care outcomes. At Avantpage, we are experts at effectively and accurately communicating complex health care information to LEP audiences. We provide translation services for health care clients that meet all government requirements, and our translators specialize in the health care sector. Patients, family members and caregivers all benefit when translation is clear and accurate and understandable. For more information on our health care services, please click here. Please click on the titles to download these fact sheets: Answers to Common Customer Translation Questions
Six of Our Most-Requested Services  
Professional Healthcare Translation/Medical Translation and Professional Healthcare Language Assistance | SB853
Medicare Marketing Translation Want a FREE quote? Click here to get started! If you like more detailed information or consultation,
please feel free to contact
David Serra,
Senior Director of Client Services tel: 530 750 2040 x12
cel: 530 400 2890

Avantpage is pleased to announce that we will be partnering with L.A. Care on translations and Alternative Format Services through a new multi-year contract.   LA Care provides free and low cost comprehensive health, dental and vision benefits to low-income residents of Los Angeles County. As of January 2014, L.A. Care has enrolled 535,995 Medi-Cal members and 6,865 Medicare Advantage (SNP) members. For more information on Avantpage’s translation services for health plans, click here.  Originally known as the Local Initiative Health Authority for Los Angeles County, L.A. Care was created in 1994 by the State of California to serve Los Angeles County residents as the locally developed health plan in the county’s two-plan model. L.A. Care is a federally qualified health maintenance organization, and a California-licensed Knox-Keene health plan. Avantpage will be providing Translation and Alternative Format Services including Braille, Large Print, Audio and ADA Compliant PDFs. Avantpage will be working with L.A. Care to translate their member documentation, written and electronic materials into L.A. Care’s threshold languages. Over 50% of L.A. Care’s members prefer to communicate in a language other than English, and our translation services will allow them to take better control of their health by enhancing understanding of L.A. Care’s benefits, literature and membership information. For more information on our Alternative Formats, Click here. Avantpage looks forward to working with L.A. Care’s Cultural & Linguistic Services Unit to provide comprehensive, cost effective translation services that will boost communication between L.A. Care and its members.

Water, one of California’s most precious resources, is in short supply these days, and drastic measures have been taken to conserve water and prohibit waste. The State Water Resources Control Board passed emergency regulations that place mandatory restrictions on outdoor water use. Recent regulations include prohibitions against the following: Any employee of a public agency charged with enforcing laws could write and issue a ticket for a fine up to $500 to a violator. Violations of prohibited activities would be considered infractions. Visit this link http://www.acwa.com/content/local-drought-response to discover more ways in which local California water agencies are coping with drought conditions. Many residents and businesses are unclear on the latest water restrictions, stages, rationing and penalties for noncompliance. Adding to the confusion is the fact that each water district has different bans, restrictions and emergency measures in place. It is up to each local water agency to communicate their district’s drought management initiatives so that the community understands and complies with them. In case you are wondering what water restrictions have to do with translation, the truth is, water conservation is all about communication. Getting the word out to LEP community members is imperative so that everyone understands how, why and where to conserve. Accurate translation is key to promoting water conservation and getting information out to all community members. California’s population is diverse, with approximately 44% of California residents speaking a language other than English at home. For this reason, translation into threshold languages is essential to communicate the latest water rules and regulations. When community residents fully understand emergency regulations on water use, they are more likely to comply and support water conservation. To read a case study on how Avantpage previously provided translation solutions for the ACWA (Association of California Water Agencies), click here For more information on how Avantpage can help with translations for water agencies, visit our website at https://avantpage.com/. To receive a free translation quote, click here.

Are You in Compliance With CMS? Medicare Marketing is a specialized area that requires strict attention to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) guidelines and requirements. Designed to protect Medicare enrollees and prospects from overly aggressive sales and marketing techniques, CMS guidelines for marketers cover a variety of Medicare marketing materials. These include brochures, direct mail, general consumer advertising, promotional materials, presentation materials, membership communication materials, member handbooks, communications directed to members, website content, and much more. For more information on CMS Medicare Marketing compliance, visit http://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Health-Plans/ManagedCareMarketing/FinalPartCMarketingGuidelines.html Avantpage Offers Expert, Knowledgeable, Cost-Effective Translation for All Medicare Marketing Needs: Medicare Advantage Plans (MAs), Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans (MA-PDs), Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs) and 1876 Cost Plans Turn to Avantpage for accurate, culturally sensitive translation that is in full compliance with CMS guidelines, rules and regulations. Our translators, project managers, technical specialists, proofreaders and support personnel have worked extensively in the healthcare industry. The knowledge and experience they bring to the table ensures that sensitive marketing materials are communicated just the way you intend them to be, while fully complying with all CMS requirements. Marketing in the healthcare industry is playing a more important role than ever before, especially in the Medicare, Health Plan and HMO sectors. Customer retention and new enrollment initiatives depend on clear communication, savvy marketing strategies and careful, dedicated attention to special marketing requirements as put forth by CMS. Accurate, high-quality translation is key to getting your message across to Medicare enrollees who are Limited English Proficient. At Avantpage, we specialize in translation for the healthcare industry, and handle translation duties for some of today’s most important healthcare entities. We offer: When you partner with us, you can be certain your translations are done properly: every word, every paragraph, every document, every time.

Avantpage has long been a leader in the health care translation space. Our expertise and experience ensures that health plans, hospitals, HMOs, PPOs and other healthcare organizations receive accurate, high-quality cost-effective translation, every time, every project. Our certified translators are experts in medical, insurance and health care language, in addition to being fluent in both English and the target language. When it comes to health plans, we’ll work closely with our customers to ensure that all of your standard and vital documents are translated accurately, and comply fully with government regulations. We specialize in compliance issues, and are prepared to work with health plans to deliver documents that are translated in compliance with Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) requirements. The DMHC, in accordance with SB 583, requires that all health plans and insurers provide services, materials and information to LEP (Limited English Proficient) members in a language that they speak and understand, at no cost to them. We work with our health plan clientele to create a translation program that fits their needs, budgets, deadlines and compliance requirements. Our focus on the healthcare industry has given us a leading edge over other translation firms: We’re experienced, prepared and fully qualified to handle healthcare translation projects of any scope and complexity. The Affordable Care Act has transformed health care in the United States. It has provided health care access to millions of Americans who were unable to afford or qualify for health insurance prior to its implementation. As part of this implementation, it is up to health plans nationwide to ensure their materials are translated to ensure compliance with the ACA, DMHC, SB 583 and other state and federal regulations. Contact us today and find out how Avantpage can help your organization succeed and thrive in the coming months.

Open Enrollment Ends – More Than 7 Million Sign Up for Health Insurance Through the Nation’s Health Exchanges Health insurance sign-ups surged forward as Americans rushed to meet the final March 31st open enrollment deadline.  More than 7 million Americans have enrolled in health coverage through the health insurance exchanges that are either state- or federally run. This number represents a victory for the Affordable Care Act, its supporters and everyone who has worked tirelessly to ensure that all Americans have access to affordable health insurance coverage. Using a combination of marketing, advertising, grass roots outreach programs, social media and other methods on the national, state and local levels, healthcare proponents were able to successfully persuade millions of health care consumers to enroll for coverage. Covered California, California’s state-run health benefit exchange, also saw a major surge in last-minute enrollees. As of 5 p.m. on Monday, March 31, Covered California’s website recorded a record 7.7 million page views, quadruple its last highest number on December 23. Because of the unprecedented website traffic, enrollees who began their applications online but were unable to finish them by the deadline may return later and complete them by April 15^th. Covered California has reached out to Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals through the translated information on its website, available in 12 threshold languages, and also through printed materials produced in those languages. But with more than 200 languages spoken in California, there are definitely some California residents who are not receiving the information they need to purchase affordable health care. Avantpage translates into more than 150 languages, and our linguistic services can help health plans and other health organizations communicate in virtually any language. For more information on our services, or a free quote, click here or contact David@avantpage.com. We look forward to hearing from you!