Appeal deadline calculator
Enter the date on your denial letter and your plan type. Every deadline below is tied to a specific federal regulation you can cite in your appeal.
"The Federal external review process must allow at least four months after the date of receipt of a notice of an adverse benefit determination to file a request."
Insurer decision timelines
Next step
With deadlines in hand, use an appeal letter template to draft your response, or see the full how-to-appeal guide.
Upload your denial letter — we'll identify the plan type, apply state overlays, and generate the appeal on the right timeline.
FAQ
Where do these deadlines come from?
Each deadline is tied to a specific federal regulation: 29 CFR 2560.503-1 for ERISA employer plans, 45 CFR 147.136 for ACA Marketplace plans, 42 CFR 422 for Medicare Advantage, 42 CFR 423 for Medicare Part D, and 42 CFR 438 for Medicaid managed care.
Does my state have shorter deadlines?
Many states shorten the insurer's decision timeline (e.g., California, Texas, New York require a decision within 30 days for post-service claims), but the 180-day filing window for ERISA/ACA plans is federal and applies nationwide.
What if I miss the deadline?
You typically lose the right to internal appeal and external review. Contact the plan or a patient advocate immediately — some plans allow 'good cause' extensions in narrow circumstances.