Guides
Plain-language explanations of the appeal process. Use the cluster pages for action; use these for the rules behind them.
- How to write a health insurance appeal letterA step-by-step structure for an appeal letter that cites the insurer's own policy and the records that support your case.
- Internal appeal vs external review: what is the differenceInternal appeals go to the insurer. External review goes to an independent third party. Here is when each applies and the order they happen in.
- Expedited appeals: when to ask for an urgent reviewIf waiting on a standard appeal would seriously jeopardize your health, you can request an expedited (urgent) appeal with a 72-hour turnaround.
- The No Surprises Act and out-of-network billsThe federal No Surprises Act protects against most surprise out-of-network bills for emergency care and certain in-network facility services. Here is what it covers and how to invoke it.
- Health insurance appeal deadlines you need to knowFederal rules give you 180 days to file an internal appeal and 120 days to request external review. Here are the deadlines by plan type.
- How to get the medical policy your insurer used to deny youMost insurers publish their clinical policy bulletins online. Here is how to find the exact policy that drove your denial and use it in your appeal.
Not legal or medical advice. This page is a self-help resource. You make your own decisions. Strip personal identifiers (name, date of birth, address, member ID) from any document before uploading or sharing. The information here summarizes commonly-published payer policies and federal rules; confirm against your specific plan document and the current denial letter before acting.