​The Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA) announced that it has produced a new guide to help educate consumers on health insurance as it relates to coverage for mental health and substance use disorders.  The brochure originated from work that MIA staff did as part of the State’s Inter-Agency Coordinating Council on Heroin and Opioid Use. This council provided information and assistance to the Heroin and Opioid Emergency Task Force created by Governor Hogan, and focused on access to treatment and overdose prevention.  One of the challenges noted by this workgroup was insufficient information available to families or individuals as they try to access treatment. (To read the final report of the Heroin and Opioid Emergency Task Force, click here.)  The “Consumer Guide to Understanding Your Health Insurance Coverage for Mental Health & Substance Use Disorders” is a direct result of this workgroup.  The guide helps consumers navigate the system with information on selecting a health plan, key terms, obtaining pre-authorization, patient rights and more.