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 North Dakota.
Attorney General
For information regarding filing a complaint, click here.
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 North Dakota Health Plans:
Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota
Contact Member Services: (800) 342-4718
External Review form here
Mail to:
BCBSND
Attn: Member Services
4510 13th Ave.
S. Fargo, ND 58121
Fax: (701) 282-1888
Medica
Detailed information found in the member’s coverage document
Sanford Health Plan
Contact Member Services: (800) 752-5863 or (605) 328-6800
Insurance Commissioner
North Dakota Department of Insurance
Commissioner
600 East Boulevard Avenue, Dept. 401
Bismarck, ND 58505
(800) 247-0560
insurance@nd.gov
Utilization Management Appeals
North Dakota Department of Insurance
Records/Applications
600 East Boulevard Avenue, Dept. 401
Bismarck, ND 58505-0310
(701) 328-2440
Fax: (701) 328-4880
External Review Appeals
North Dakota Department of Insurance
Consumer Assistance Division Director
600 East Boulevard Avenue, Dept. 401
Bismarck, ND 58505-0310
(701) 328-9611
Parity Appeals
North Dakota Department of Insurance
Commissioner
600 East Boulevard Avenue, Dept. 401
Bismarck, ND 58505
Phone: (800) 247-0560
insurance@nd.gov
Additional North Dakota 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
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.
A grievance is a written complaint or concern about a medical provider.
Click here for specific information regarding who, what and how to file.
The appeal process is different based on the benefit issue. Depending on your issue, you can file a:
If your care is denied, you should receive a letter with details about how to file your appeal.
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.
