Nondiscrimination statement
It is MedStar Family Choice DC’s policy not to discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. MedStar Family Choice DC will provide free aids and services to people with disabilities to communicate effectively with us (this includes qualified sign language interpreters, written information in accessible formats, and free language services to those whose primary language is not English, including qualified interpreters and information written in other languages). If you need these services, contact Enrollee Services at 888-404-3549.
We have an internal grievance procedure to help quickly and fairly resolve complaints alleging illegal discrimination under Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 18116) and its implementing regulations at 45 CFR part 92, issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This section of law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in certain health programs and activities. This section of law can be reviewed in the Compliance Department of MedStar Family Choice DC.
Any person who believes someone has been subjected to discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability may file a grievance under this procedure. It is against the law for MedStar Family Choice DC to retaliate against anyone who opposes discrimination, files a grievance, or participates in the investigation of a grievance.
Procedure
- Grievances must be sent to the Section 1557 Coordinator within (60 days) of the date the person filing the grievance becomes aware of the alleged discriminatory action.
- A complaint must be in writing and include the name and address of the person filing it. The complaint must state the problem or action alleged to be discriminatory and the desired resolution.
- The Section 1557 Coordinator (or her/his designee) will investigate the complaint. This investigation may be informal, but it will be thorough. There is an opportunity to submit evidence regarding the complaint. MedStar Family Choice DC will maintain the records regarding these grievances. To the extent possible, and in accordance with applicable law, the Section 1557 Coordinator will keep the files confidential and will only share with those who have a need to know.
The availability and use of this grievance procedure do not prevent a person from pursuing other legal or administrative remedies, including filing a complaint of discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in court or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights. A person can file a complaint of discrimination electronically through the Office for Civil Rights Complaint Portal, which is available at: https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/portal/lobby.jsf, or by mail or phone at: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 200 Independence Avenue SW, Room 509F, HHH Building, Washington, DC 20201. 800-368-1019, 800-537-7697 (TDD) Complaint forms are available at: http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/office/file/index.html. Such complaints must be filed within 180 days of the date of the alleged discrimination.
MedStar Family Choice DC will ensure that individuals with disabilities and individuals with limited English proficiency are provided with any needed auxiliary aids and services or language assistance services free of charge and in a timely manner to participate in this grievance process. This may include assistance in the form of qualified interpreters, providing taped cassettes of material for individuals with low vision, or assuring a barrier-free location for the proceedings. We can also provide you with written materials in the prevalent non-English languages identified in the District of Columbia and in alternative formats. If you need these aids or services, contact Enrollee Services at 888-404-3549 (TTY: 7-1-1). You can file a complaint regarding disability-related issues to the United States Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Disability Rights Section, by visiting https://www.ada.gov/file-a-complaint/.
MedStar Family Choice DC has a specific person who assists us in complying with issues that involve Section 1557:
Section 1557 Coordinator
3007 Tilden St., NW, POD 3N
Washington, DC 20008
888-404-3549 (TTY: 7-1-1)
MFCDC1557Coordinator@medstar.net
Click here to read the MedStar Family Choice DC Nondiscrimination Notice and Language Accessibility Statement.
Information current as of: