About the Project

The Maryland Parity Project has two main goals:

• Educating consumers and providers of their rights under the parity law
• Offering case assistance to those whose rights may have been violated

With different state and federal rules governing mental health coverage, understanding the system is complex for both individuals and providers. Our action-oriented Parity Toolkit is designed to help consumers and providers understand the law and take action to enforce their rights.

In addition, project staff provides case assistance to consumers, providers and families who feel they are not receiving the benefits to which they are entitled. We are here to answer questions, evaluate complaints, walk consumers and providers through the process of appealing an insurer’s decision and if appropriate, assist in filing a complaint with the proper government authority.

The Maryland Parity Project would like to acknowledge the generous funding from the following foundations:

• The Fund For Change
• The Morton K. and Jane Blaustein Foundation
• The Zanvyl and Isabelle Krieger Fund
• The Leonard and Helen R. Stulman Charitable Foundation
• The Janssen Foundation
• The Lilly Foundation

The Maryland Parity Project is a new initiative of the Mental Health Association of Maryland with generous funding from the private foundation community. The Project works to educate insured Marylanders of their new rights in accessing mental health and addiction treatment under The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008.