GuidesUpdated October 19, 2026
Appealing a Medicare Advantage denial, step by step.
What the rules say, in the order you’ll need them. Written from Medicare’s own regulations and guidance, with the sources at the end of each page.
Four guides, in the order you’ll need them
- 01How to appeal a Medicare Advantage denialThe first appeal goes back to the plan. Who can ask, what to send, and how long the plan has to answer.
- 02The appeal deadline: 65 days, and how to count themThe rule says 60 days from receipt. Why Medicare tells you 65, where to start counting, and what to do if you’re late.
- 03When a parent’s care is ending: the fast appealSkilled nursing, home health or outpatient rehab about to stop. The notice, the noon deadline, and who decides.
- 04If the plan says no again: the independent reviewWhen the plan keeps its decision, the case goes to Medicare’s reviewer on its own. What you can still add, and when.
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