On February 12, 2013 Montgomery County Government released a memo stating their intention to have all county government employee health plans comply with the federal mental health parity law. Now Montgomery County Public Schools, Montgomery County Community College, and Montgomery County Government plans will be compliant.The memo and attached documents address the noncompliant section of the previous plan, including co-payments and visit limits and the intention for these to be compliant.
It was a savvy county government employee who made this happen. Her advocacy included writing letters and ultimately meeting with her County Councilman, as well as contacting Maryland Parity Project and University of Maryland Drug Policy Clinic to start an investigation of whether the county government had taken the necessary steps to opt-out. When it was discovered they hadn’t, they decided to comply.
Advocacy works! Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions or would like assistance with an appeal or complaint.