Michigan Parity Resources
Depending on whether you are filing a complaint or appeal, the contact information below should be able to help you if you have any questions.
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 Michigan.
Attorney General
Health Care (Hospices, Hospitals, Surgical Outpatient Facilities, and Substance Use Disorder Programs)
Complaints
DIFS-Office of General Counsel-Appeals Section
PO Box 30220
Lansing, MI 7720
(877) 999-6442
When filing an appeal for the first time, you should contact your health plan’s customer service support line or check out their information online. If you choose to appeal an adverse benefit determination concerning your mental health or substance use treatment or benefits, please keep in mind that the timeframe to do so varies by state, plan type, and other factors. Contact your state’s department of insurance for additional information. Here is some contact information for Michigan Health Plans:
Alliance Health
HAP Senior Plus: (313) 664-7015
Alliance Medicare PPO: (888) 658-2536
By Mail:
Health Alliance Plan
ATTN: Appeal and Grievance Department
2850 W Grand Blvd
Detroit, MI 48202
Fax: (313) 664-5866
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Contact Customer Service at the number on the back of the Blues ID card.
Member Appeal Form found here
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
600 E Lafayette Blvd, M.C. CS3A
Detroit, MI 48226-2998
Harbor Health Plan
Written request for a hearing:
Michigan Administrative Hearings System for the Department of Community Health
PO Box 30763
Lansing, MI 48909
(877) 833-0870
Humana
Contact Customer Service at number found on back of ID card The Grievance/Appeal Request Form can be found here
Mail to:
Humana Grievances and Appeals
PO Box 14165
Lexington, KY 40512-4165
McLaren Health Plan Community
Customer Service: (888) 327-0671
Mail written appeal request to:
McLaren Health Plan
G-3245 Beecher Rd
Flint, MI 48532
Attn: Member Appeals
Meridian Health Plan
Member Services department: (877) 902-6784
Physicians Health Plan
Customer Service Department: (800) 832-9186
Priority Health
Customer Service: the number is specific to the health plan
Total Health Care USA
Customer Service Department: (313) 871-2000 or (800) 826-2862
United Healthcare
Contact the Member Service number found on the back of member ID card
Insurance Commissioner
Department of Insurance and Financial Services
Director
611 W. Ottawa Street, 3rd Floor
Lansing, MI 48933
Phone: (517) 241-2349
Fax: (517) 241-4610
Utilization Management Appeals
Department of Insurance and Financial Services
Manager
611 W. Ottawa Street, 3rd Floor
Lansing, MI 48933
Phone: (517) 241-2349
Fax: (517) 241-4610
External Review Appeals
Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS)
Regulation Specialist
611 W. Ottawa Street, 3rd Floor
Lansing, MI 48933
Phone: (517) 373-2898
Parity Appeals
Department of Insurance and Financial Services
Manager
611 W. Ottawa Street, 3rd Floor
Lansing, MI 48933
Phone: (517) 241-2349
Fax: (517) 241-4610
Additional Michigan 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
(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.
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
Please note: Parity Registry does not automate the appeals process. The information you provide may alert policymakers to possible health plan violations of the law, thereby helping to shape public policy and influence legislation.
You must take follow-up action with your health plan or regulatory agency.