Insurance Appeal Guides
How to appeal denials, understand denial codes, fight prior authorization rejections, and know your rights under federal insurance law.
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FEATUREDCO-97 Denial Code: What Bundling Means and How to Fight ItCO-97 means your provider billed a service that should have been included in another charge. Here is how bundling works and when to appeal.Read articleFEATUREDHow to Appeal a Prior Authorization DenialA prior authorization denial is not final. Learn the exact steps to appeal a prior auth denial in 2026, including what documentation wins and when to escalate.Read articleFEATUREDWhat Is a Denial Code and What Does Mine MeanDenial codes on your EOB explain why a claim was denied. Learn what the most common codes mean in 2026 and the exact steps to fix or appeal each one.Read article
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Aetna Clinical Policy Bulletins: How to Use Them to Win Your Appeal
Aetna publishes the clinical criteria it uses to approve or deny claims. Here is how to find the relevant bulletin and use it in your appeal.
Anthem Blue Cross Denials: Why Your State Matters More Than You Think
Anthem operates as independent Blue Cross Blue Shield plans by state. Your denial rights and appeal process depend on which state plan you have.
CO-15 Prior Authorization Denial: What to Do When Your Provider Did Not Get Approval
CO-15 means prior authorization was missing or invalid. You may not owe this bill. Here is how to determine responsibility and appeal.
CO-16 Denial Code: How to Fix a Missing Information Denial
CO-16 means your claim was denied because information was missing or invalid. Here is what to check and how to get it corrected.
CO-29 Late Filing Denial: Are You Actually Responsible for It
CO-29 denials mean the claim was filed too late. Whether you owe the bill depends on who filed late. Here is how to find out and what to do.
COBRA: What to Do When You Lose Your Job and Your Health Insurance
COBRA lets you keep your employer health insurance after job loss but the cost is significant. Here is how it works and when it makes sense.
How to Appeal a Blue Cross Blue Shield Denial
Blue Cross Blue Shield is not one company. Your appeal rights and process depend on which state plan you have. Here is how to navigate a BCBS denial correctly.
How to Appeal a Humana Denial: What Works and What Does Not
Humana denials follow specific patterns depending on whether you have a commercial plan or a Medicare Advantage plan. Here is how to appeal effectively for each.
How to Appeal a Mental Health Denial Using MHPAEA
Mental health and substance use disorder benefits must be covered at parity with medical benefits. If your mental health claim was denied, MHPAEA gives you powerful appeal rights.
How to Appeal a UnitedHealthcare Denial: What Actually Works
UnitedHealthcare denials follow specific patterns. Here is how to use their appeal process effectively and what evidence makes a difference.
How to Get an Urgent Prior Authorization Approved Quickly
When you need care fast and your insurer requires prior authorization, the standard timeline does not work. Here is how to request an expedited review and what to say.
How to Negotiate a Hospital Bill You Cannot Afford
Hospital bills are often negotiable. Learn the exact steps to negotiate a hospital bill you cannot afford in 2026, including charity care and settlement strateg
Medicare Advantage vs Original Medicare: Why Your Denials Are Different
Medicare Advantage plans can deny claims that Original Medicare would cover. Here is why and what appeal rights you have under each.
PR-1 vs CO-45: Understanding the Difference Between Patient and Contractual Denials
PR-1 and CO-45 look similar but mean very different things for what you owe. Here is how to read these codes and when to dispute them.
Short-Term Health Insurance: What It Does Not Cover and When It Makes Sense
Short-term health insurance is significantly cheaper than ACA plans but covers much less. Here is what these plans exclude and when they might be appropriate.
What Does Insurance Denial Code CO-50 Mean and How Do You Appeal It
CO-50 means your insurer says the service is not medically necessary. Here is what that means, why it happens, and how to fight it.
What Is ERISA and How It Affects Your Health Insurance Appeal Rights
If your health insurance comes through your employer, ERISA governs your appeal rights. This changes the process significantly compared to individual market plans.
What the No Surprises Act Means for Your Medical Bills
The No Surprises Act bans balance billing in many situations. Learn exactly what it covers in 2026, what it does not, and how to dispute a protected charge.
What to Do When Insurance Denies a Claim
Insurance denied your claim? Learn the exact steps to appeal a health insurance denial in 2026, from reading the denial letter to external independent review.
Why Cigna Uses EviCore and What That Means for Your Prior Authorization
Cigna outsources prior authorization decisions to EviCore for many services. Here is how that process works and how to appeal an EviCore denial.