Voluntary Resolution Agreement (February 3, 2025)
Wes Moore, Governor • Aruna Miller, Lt. Governor • Rafael López, Secretary
The Maryland Department of Human Services (MDHS) has entered a formal Voluntary Resolution Agreement (VRA) with the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office for Civil Rights (OCR) in programs administered by MDHS. This agreement covers all MDHS programs that receive federal financial assistance from HHS, including TCA (temporary cash assistance), child support, and Medicaid.
Under this agreement MDHS will operate its programs to afford equal opportunity to participate for persons with disabilities. MDHS recognizes it may need to provide reasonable modifications or accommodations to its policies, practices, and procedures to allow equal opportunity for participation.
If individuals applied in the past and were denied benefits for not cooperating with the eligibility process, this does not mean they will be denied in the future and may reapply.
As part of the agreement, MDHS is notifying you of the availability of assessments and evaluations for reasonable accommodations, at no charge to you, that may be needed in order to participate in its programs. Other terms of the VRA include:
- Revising the MDHS grievance procedure,
- Tracking electronically a customer’s reasonable accommodation,
- Monitoring local departments of social services,
- Revising training materials and conducting annual staff training,
- Providing progress reports to OCR for three years, and
- Updating MDHS regulations, policies and manuals.
The VRA is effective as of August 13, 2024, and will remain in effect for three (3) years or until OCR’s written acceptance of the final Quarterly Report described in the agreement. A copy of the complete agreement can be found by clicking here.
Purpose of the Agreement
To resolve all complaints as quickly as possible without further burden or expense of investigation or litigation. MDHS agrees to the terms outlined in this agreement and affirms its assurance of compliance with all provisions of the ADA, Section 504, and their respective implementing regulations. The promises, obligations, or other terms and conditions outlined in this agreement constitute the exchange of valuable consideration between MDHS and OCR.
If anyone has any questions about this agreement, they can contact MDHS’s customer service line at 1-800-332-6347 or visit our website at mymdthink.maryland.gov/.
25 S. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21201-3500
Tel: 1-800-332-6347 | TTY: 1-800-735-2258 | www.dhs.maryland.gov