What Are the Deadlines for a Medicare Appeal?
Short answer
Medicare appeal deadlines depend on the coverage type and the decision being challenged. The written denial or termination notice is the controlling document because it gives the filing deadline, appeal level and submission instructions for that case.
Coverage
Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Part D and fast end-of-service appeals use different procedures and timeframes. Some deadlines may be extended for good cause.
Not Automatic
Do not rely on one generic Medicare appeal deadline for every denial. Missing the notice-specific deadline can jeopardize appeal rights or continuation-of-service protections.
Practical Example
A routine Original Medicare claim denial and a fast appeal of SNF services ending too soon use different notices and timelines.
Questions to verify
- What type of Medicare coverage made the decision?
- What exact deadline appears on the notice?
- Is expedited review available?