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  • Health insurance companies denies claims for many reasons
  • It is possible to have the decision overturned
  • Pre-existing conditions is one of the main reasons for denial

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If you have submitted a claim to your health insurance company and it’s been denied, you have the right to appeal it. Health insurance companies are always looking to protect themselves, which means that they sometimes deny a claim and hope that you won’t argue or appeal it.

There are times when your health insurance company has a good reason for denying your claim. Make sure you know the reason for the denial and only spend your time appealing it if you have a legitimate reason for doing it.

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What are some of the reasons a health insurance company may deny a claim?

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There are a number of reasons why an insurance company may deny a claim. The primary reason is that the claim you filed wasn’t not covered under your health plan.

When you purchase health insurance, make sure to read the fine print and understand exact type coverage you have. Also, inquire about any possible exclusions in your policy.

What types of treatments are considered exclusions?

Keep in mind that health insurance does not necessarily mean that everything related to health will be covered. Some policies (especially cheaper ones) will exclude particular medications or procedures including:

  • Cosmetic surgery
  • Experimental treatments
  • Birth control
  • Circumcisions
  • Learning disabilities
  • Medical equipment
  • Behavioral problems
  • Mental health

Other things that are usually not covered under a traditional health policy include:

  • Vision and dental care
  • Home health care
  • Nursing home care

What are other possible reasons my claim was denied?

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Alternative treatments are usually not covered either. People are often surprised to find out that their claim was denied. If you don’t see that specific medical procedure or alternative therapy listed in your insurance policy, it’s safe to say it is not covered.

Your claim may also be denied if you submitted a claim for a pre-existing condition. This refers to a condition that you have previously been diagnosed with and received treatment for.

Pre-existing conditions might not be eligible for coverage if they were diagnosed within the prior 12 months of starting your policy. This is why it’s imperative to verify if the health insurance plan you choose will cover pre-existing conditions before you purchase the policy.

Also, keep in mind that just because your health care provider recommended a treatment or medication, it doesn’t automatically mean that your insurance will cover it. Always look over your policy to see what is covered.

A policy may be denied due to clerical errors, on either your doctor’s part or the insurance company’s. When a physician submits a claim for you, there are certain notes and paperwork that need to be submitted as well.

If the paperwork is filled out incorrectly, is illegible, or is incomplete, the claim may be denied. The insurance company may also make a clerical mistake or lose some of the paperwork needed, which may result in a denied claim.

What steps should you take to appeal a denial?

If you receive a denial letter from your insurance company, the first thing you should do is call the company and speak with a representative. Make sure you have the letter handy to reference.

If it is determined, that the reason for the denial was because of missing information or a processing error, an appeal is usually not needed.

If you do not agree with the reason the representative gives for the denial, ask him or her what steps and paperwork the insurance company requires for an appeal. Also, get the information as to where to send the appeal. When you write your appeal letter, include important items such as:

  • Your policy or group number
  • Member ID
  • Date of service in question
  • The name of the physician or facility
  • The amount that was billed

Next, explain in concise detail why you are appealing and what you would like to see as a result. If you have any medical records or other documentation that you think will help your case, include them with your correspondence.

If your first appeal is denied, you may have the opportunity to submit additional appeals through your insurance company.

What can you do if your insurance company continues to deny your appeal?

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If your insurance company does not give you the results you think you deserve, there are other ways to go about appealing the denial. Your next step is to go through your state insurance department where they often will conduct an independent review of the claim and denial.

The appeal process through your state department may have a number of steps and may take awhile to resolve so keep in mind that it will not be a quick decision.

Also, check to see if you insurance policy offers arbitration. This uses a third party to review the denial and advice on the outcome. This ruling may be binding, depending on your insurance policy and state regulations.

One of the best ways to win your insurance denial is to be persistent and be organized. Keep copies of all correspondence from your insurance company, health care provider, and state insurance company.

Start comparing health insurance quotes today be entering your zip code!

[su_spoiler title=”References:” icon=”caret-square” style=”fancy” open=”yes”]

  1. http://www.samhsa.gov/health-financing/implementation-mental-health-parity-addiction-equity-act
  2. https://www.healthcare.gov/appeal-insurance-company-decision/external-review/
  3. https://www.healthcare.gov/appeal-insurance-company-decision/internal-appeals/

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