Notice of Nondiscrimination and Language Accessibility

Procedure

• Grievances must be sent to the Section 1557 Coordinator within (60 days) of the date the person filing the grievance becomes aware of the alleged discriminatory action.
• A complaint must be in writing and include the name and address of the person filing it. The complaint must state the problem or action alleged to be discriminatory and the desired resolution.
• The Section 1557 Coordinator (or her/his designee) will investigate the complaint. This investigation may be informal, but it will be thorough. There is an opportunity to submit evidence regarding the complaint. MFC will maintain the records regarding these grievances. To the extent possible, and in accordance with applicable law, the Section 1557 Coordinator will keep the files confidential and will only share with those who have a need to know.
• The Section 1557 Coordinator will send a written decision on the grievance, based on what we found during our investigation within 30 days of receiving the complaint. The notice will include what to do if you do not agree with the decision, including but not limited to the ability to appeal to the President of MedStar Family Choice.

The availability and use of this grievance procedure do not prevent a person from pursuing other legal or administrative remedies, including filing a complaint of discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in court or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights. A person can file a complaint of discrimination electronically through the Office for Civil Rights Complaint Portal, which is available at: https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/portal/lobby.jsf, or by mail or phone at: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 200 Independence Avenue SW, Room 509F, HHH Building, Washington, DC 20201. 800-368-1019, 800-537-7697 (TDD) Complaint forms are available at: http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/office/file/index.html. Such complaints must be filed within 180 days of the date of the alleged discrimination. MedStar Family Choice will ensure that individuals with disabilities and individuals with limited English proficiency are provided with any needed auxiliary aids and services or language assistance services free of charge and in a timely manner to participate in this grievance process. This may include assistance in the form of qualified interpreters, providing taped cassettes of material for individuals with low vision, or assuring a barrier-free location for the proceedings. We can also provide you with written materials in the prevalent non-English languages identified in Maryland and in alternative formats. If you need these aids or services, contact Member Services at 888-404-3549 (TTY: 7-1-1). You can also file a complaint regarding disability-related issues to the United States Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Disability Rights Section, by visiting https://www.ada.gov/file-a-complaint/

Click here to read the Maryland HealthChoice Language Accessibility Statement.