MedChi, the Maryland State Medical Society, is a non-profit membership association representing thousands of Maryland physicians. Our mission is to serve as Maryland’s foremost advocate and resource for physicians, their patients, and public health.
A 2010 MedChi survey of Maryland doctors explored the impact of health insurance protocols on the ability of Maryland physicians to provide effective care. The survey revealed near universal dissatisfaction with health insurer requirements and the ways in which the requirements dictate how doctors treat patients. Insurance practices such as requiring pre-approval for medical procedures and prescription medications, step therapy, and therapeutic substitution deny patients access to care and are tantamount to practicing medicine without a license.
MedChi established Insurance Watch to help Maryland physicians register complaints with the Maryland Attorney General about health insurer practices that jeopardize patient health and interfere with care. For more information about Insurance Watch please contact us at (410) 539-0872.
Step 1: File a Complaint
When coverage of a patient's medical care is denied, whether prospectively or retroactively, Maryland health care practitioners may file a complaint on behalf of their patient with the Office of the Attorney General's Health Education and Advocacy Unit ("HEAU") or the Maryland Insurance Administration ("MIA").
If you are a practitioner and want assistance with an internal appeal or want to file a complaint with the HEAU, Click Here.
If you wish to file a complaint concerning health insurance, or for assistance with an emergency appeal of a denied health care service, contact the MIA, Click Here.
If the complaint is misfiled, it will be redirected to the proper agency.
Broader issues, such as claims processing time, pre-authorization practices and other related market conduct, are investigated by the Maryland Insurance Administration based upon specific complaints received by the agency. Such complaints should be directed to the Maryland Insurance Administration. For patients who are covered under an employer self-funded plan, contact the U.S. Department of Labor; or for patients who are federal employees, contact the Office of Personnel Management.
Step 2: Have MedChi Track Your Complaint & Notify Your Legislators
Fill out the information below if you’d like to have MedChi follow up with the Attorney General’s office to track the status of your complaint.