Appeals in Medicare health plans

Before you start an appeal, ask your provider or supplier for any information to make your appeal stronger.

Appeals in PACE

If you have coverage through a

Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
, your appeal rights are different. The PACE organization will give you written information about your appeal rights. Learn more about PACE plans.

Appeals in a Cost plan

Medicare Cost plans are types of HMOs available in certain areas of the country. If you have a Medicare Cost plan and want to appeal services you got outside of the plans network, you’ll need to follow the Original Medicare appeals process.

Appeals in a Medicare Advantage plan

There are 5 levels of appeals. If you disagree with the decision made at any level of the process, you can generally go to the next level. At each level you'll get a decision letter with instructions on how to move to the next level of appeal.

Appeals in a Special Needs Plan

If you have coverage through a Medicare

Special Needs Plan
(SNP), your plan must tell you in writing how to appeal. After you file an appeal, the plan will review its original decision. If your plan doesn't decide in your favor, the appeal is reviewed by an independent organization. The independent organization works for Medicare, not for the plan.