For general information about filing a parity appeal for mental health or addictions services, you cannot go wrong with contacting one of the consumer advocates below. Each has years of experience helping consumers in the state of Colorado.

Colorado Consumer Health Initiative

http://cohealthinitiative.org/issues-your-health-care

Colorado Division of Insurance

To file a complaint: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dora/ask-question-make-complaint-division-insurance

Insurance Commissioner

Colorado Division of Insurance
Insurance Commissioner
1560 Broadway, Suite 850
Denver, Colorado 80202
(303) 894-7499

 

Utilization Management Appeals

Department of Regulatory Agencies, Division of Insurance
Life and Health Section
1560 Broadway, Suite 850
Denver, Colorado 80202
Phone: (303) 894-7499
Fax: (303) 894-7455

 

External Review Appeals

Colorado Division of Insurance
Program Assistant
1560 Broadway, Suite 850
Denver, Colorado 80202
Phone: (303) 894-7531

 

Parity Appeals

Colorado Division of Insurance
Insurance Commissioner
1560 Broadway, Suite 850
Denver, Colorado 80202
(303) 894-7499
Additional Colorado Insurance Administration Contacts, click here

 

The federal government also can be a helpful resource if you are enrolled in a self-funded plan, Medicare, Medicaid or another type of insurance that is overseen at least in part by a federal agency. For definitions and filing information refer to the Parity Resource Guide

U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s website on the Affordable Care Act health reform law

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

(SAMHSA) Implementation Mental Health Parity Addiction Equity Act

U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits, Security Administration (EBSA) or toll-free hotline: 1.866.444.EBSA (3272)

For the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services & Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services list of exempt state and local plans, please email NonFed@cms.hhs.gov. You may ask them if any particular state and local plan has opted out of MHPAEA.

Information on requirements of employer-based insurance coverage and self-insured health plans. EBSA has benefit advisors who are available to answer questions and provide assistance in obtaining your benefits.

Consumer Guide to Disclosure Rights: Making the Most of Your Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Benefits

 

Veterans and military personnel can use these resources to get help or more information with their medical or behavioral health complaints.

Health Net Federal Services

A grievance is a written complaint or concern about a medical provider.
Click here for specific information regarding who, what and how to file.

TRICARE

View the recently released Tricare Mental Health Fact Sheet.

The appeal process is different based on the benefit issue. Depending on your issue, you can file a:

• Factual appeal
• This is if you were denied payment for services or supplies you received, or if payment was stopped for services or supplies previously authorized.
• Medical necessity appeal
• This is if prior authorization for care or services was denied because it was not deemed medically necessary. Medically necessary means it must be appropriate, reasonable, and adequate for your condition.
• Pharmacy appeal
• This is if you don't agree with a decision made about your pharmacy benefit. For example, Express Scripts denies your pharmacy claim.
• Medicare-TRICARE appeal
• This is if you're eligible for both TRICARE and Medicare, and Medicare denies your services or supplies.

If your care is denied, you should receive a letter with details about how to file your appeal.

Veterans Health Administration

Complaints are initially handled through the Patient Advocate.
Patient Advocate can be contacted at your local VA Medical Center.

If you have any additional questions about parity compliance, please contact info@paritytrack.org