<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".01" citation="COMAR 10.67.05.01" title_num="10" subtitle_num="67" chapter_num="05" heading="Access Standards: Addressing Enrollees' Individualized Needs.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>An MCO shall provide access to health care services and information in a manner that addresses the individualized needs of its enrollees, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity, including, but not limited to, the delivery of services and information to enrollees:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>In a culturally sensitive manner;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>At an appropriate reading comprehension level;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>In the prevalent non-English languages identified by the State; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>In a manner that accommodates individuals with disabilities consistent with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, P.L. 101-330, 42 U.S.C. §12101 et seq., and regulations promulgated under it.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Special Access.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>An MCO shall notify enrollees of the following services and make them available free of charge to the enrollee:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Written materials in the prevalent non-English languages identified by the State;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Written materials in alternative formats;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Oral interpretation services in all non-English languages; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Auxiliary aids and services, such as:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Teletypewriter/Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TTY/TDD); and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>American Sign Language.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>An MCO shall include taglines in the prevalent non-English languages identified by the State with its written materials critical to obtaining services that:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Explain the availability of written translation or oral interpretation to understand the information provided; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Provide the toll-free and TTY/TDD telephone number of the MCO’s customer service unit.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Written Materials. An MCO shall provide all its written materials in the following manner:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Using language and a format that is easily understood;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>In a font size no smaller than 12 point;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Available in alternative formats and through the provision of auxiliary aids and services; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Available in an appropriate manner that takes into consideration the special needs of enrollees or potential enrollees with disabilities or limited English proficiency.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>An MCO may provide enrollee information electronically so long as all of the following requirements are met:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The format is readily accessible;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The information is placed in a location on the MCO’s website that is prominent and readily accessible;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>The information is provided in an electronic form which can be electronically retained and printed;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>The information is consistent with the content and language requirements of this section;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>The enrollee is informed that the information is available in paper form without charge upon request; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>Should the enrollee request it, the MCO provides the information in paper form within 5 business days.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>