ACCU/Ombudsman

Get assistance for making the most of your
Medicaid benefits


We are your Administrative Care Coordination Unit–Ombudsman Program (ACCU), helping Frederick Medicaid-eligible residents to better understand and use their benefits and health care services provided through the Managed Care Organizations (MCO). We can assist you in finding answers to questions or resolving issues to a wide range of health care services. Our goal is to give you personal service that leads to knowing your options for a healthier outcome for you and your family.

Once approved for Maryland Medical Assistance (MEDICAID), you will receive a red and white medical assistance card in the mail within 14 days of enrolling. Do not throw away this card. Even if you haven’t received your card yet, you can still get medical services. Your doctor or pharmacist can verify coverage by calling the Eligibility Verification System (EVS).

Choosing your MCO and primary care provider

When your application is completed and verified, you will receive an enrollment packet in the mail to choose a managed care organization (MCO / Insurance Company) to provide your care coverage.

The MCOs that you can choose in Frederick County are:

  • Amerigroup Community Care
  • Maryland Physicians Care
  • Priority Partners
  • United Healthcare Community Plan (current family members)
  • CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield Community Health Plan of Maryland

Ask your doctors which MCOs they accept or search the Frederick County Provider list to find doctors who accept your MCO. (link)

You can also compare available MCOs by clicking on Health Choice Comparison Chart. (link)

You can enroll in a MCO any of these ways

  1. Contact the Frederick County Health Department at 301-600-3124.
  2. Call HealthChoice at 1-800-977-7388 (Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–7 p.m.)
  3. Complete the MCO enrollment form included in the packet you received in the mail, and mail it back in the envelope provided (no stamp needed).
If you do not choose a MCO the state will assign one for you.

Health services covered

When enrolled in Maryland Medicaid you will receive covered health services to include: doctor visits, prescriptions, vision, addiction treatment, mental health services, hospital care, and urgent care services, and more. Dental care is covered for children and Pregnant Women through Healthy Smiles. Some MCOs offer limited adult dental care.

For help on benefits and service and other assistance please call Administrative Care Coordination/Ombudsman Program (ACC) at Frederick County Health Department: 301-600-3124.

Report changes

It is important to notify Maryland Health Connection with any changes in your address, household size, or income to assure you receive proper notifications and coverage. To update your application, contact MCHP at Frederick County Health Department 301-600-3124.

At Frederick Medicaid, you can:

  • Access the local Administrative Care Coordination / Ombudsman staff for assistance
  • Find a current listing of health service providers
  • Locate an in-network primary care doctor or specialist
  • Get help understanding your benefits
  • Find participating pharmacies for your prescription needs
  • Obtain education on your Medicaid eligibility
  • Find participating urgent care services
  • Receive education on dental, vision, addiction treatment, and mental health coverage
  • Locate participating dentists
  • Get education on pregnancy and newborn benefits and services
  • Receive referral information for Medicaid transportation services

Community Education Services:

  • ACC provides informational presentations and classes on Medicaid for local agencies, their staff, and Medicaid eligible clients to better understand the Medicaid system

The local Frederick County Health Department Ombudsman is an advocate for your health care needs. If you are having trouble getting health care services from your MCO or your doctor please call: HealthChoice Help Line @ 1-800-284-4510 and they will send our Ombudsman a request to follow- up with you to ensure that your health care problems were resolved.

The Maryland Healthy Smiles Dental Program (MHSDP) provides dental care to eligible Medicaid members. Medicaid covers a wide range of dental services.There are no premiums, deductibles, or copays for covered services. There is no maximum benefit amount each year. MHSDP members should never pay for covered services out of pocket.

Eligibility Everyone with full Medicaid coverage is eligible for the MHSDP. If you have a red and white Medicaid card, you have full Medicaid coverage.

Covered Benefits and Services

  • Regular checkups
  • Teeth cleaning
  • Fluoride treatments
  • X-rays
  • Fillings
  • Root canals
  • Crowns
  • Pulling teeth - extractions
  • Anesthesia

Other Covered Services for Children Under 21 Years Old

  • Sealants
  • Orthodontics
  • Fluoride varnish

Other Covered Services for Adults

  • Denture adjustments

Services Not Covered The MHSDP does not cover:

  • Experimental procedures
  • Cosmetic procedures
  • Dentures for adults 21+

Are you having a baby? You may get free health care if you are not a U.S. citizen. Medicaid may be able to help. Medicaid pays for health care for people who cannot afford it. Medicaid is the same as Medical Assistance. Sign up for Medicaid as soon as you know you are pregnant. Get the care you and your baby need right away. And you may keep Medicaid up to four months after your baby is born.

Who can get Medicaid?

To be eligible, you must:

  • Be pregnant.
  • Live in Maryland
  • Meet income limits.

The best way to know if you can get Medicaid is to apply.

What healthcare can I get?

Medicaid will pay for:

  • Doctor visits
  • Prenatal visits – doctor visits to check you and baby before baby is born.
  • Hospital care
  • Hospital stay – when you have baby.
  • Dental care
  • Lab work and tests
  • Prescription drugs – medicine from your doctor
  • Mental health care
  • Behavioral health care - help to stop smoking, drinking alcohol or using drugs
  • Transportation services - a ride to and from medical care through Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)

Unpaid medical bills before Medicaid

Medicaid may help pay for health care you had in the three months before you applied. To learn more, go to your local Health Department. Start date is available but will not extend prior to the start of the pregnancy.

Benefits Package

The benefits package detailed above is identical to that available to other pregnant Medicaid members.

Timing

Coverage is available from the start of pregnancy through four months postpartum. All postpartum follow-ups must be completed within the four-month time frame.

The Maryland Department of Health has expanded coverage for gender-affirming care in the Maryland Medicaid program, effective January 1. The Trans Health Equity Act requires Medicaid to cover additional gender-affirming care, ensuring equitable health care access for individuals who are transgender and gender diverse. To be eligible for benefits, individuals must be enrolled in Maryland Medicaid and should speak with a health care provider to determine what services meet their health needs. New covered services include:

  • Hormone therapy and lab testing
  • Voice surgery, therapy, and lessons
  • Hair removal and transplants
  • Fertility preservation services
  • Facial surgery
  • Top surgery
  • Gender affirming surgery.
  • Preventative care after transition
  • Revision or reversal of prior gender-affirming procedures

Any Questions, please contact our ACCU team at 301-600-3124.

Call 301-600-3124
for assistance

We are available Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm.

Click Here for a full range of ACCU resources and references.

Download the ACCU info card.
Maryland Health Department
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