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If your health insurance claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. The appeal process lets you submit additional documentation and have your case reviewed again by UnitedHealthcare or an external party.
You generally have 180 days from the denial date to file an appeal. A strong appeal includes medical records, doctor notes, and a clear cover letter.

How to appeal a denied claim

1

Review your denial letter for the reason code and deadline.

2

Gather medical records, doctor notes, and any supporting documents.

3

Log in to myuhc.com and go to the Appeals section.

4

Submit the appeal form with all supporting documents attached.

5

Wait for a decision, which typically takes 30 to 60 days.

6

Escalate to an external review if your appeal is denied again.

Frequently asked questions

You typically have 180 days from the date you received the denial notice to submit your appeal.
Include the denial letter, relevant medical records, physician letters supporting medical necessity, and any related test results or treatment notes.
An external review is an independent evaluation of your appeal conducted by a third party not affiliated with your insurance company.
Success rates vary by plan and denial reason, but well-documented appeals with strong medical justification have a significantly higher chance of approval.
Yes. Your doctor can write a letter of medical necessity and provide detailed records, which greatly strengthens your appeal.

Check Claim Status

Monitor your claims and find denial details through your online account.

Read Your EOB

Understand your Explanation of Benefits to identify billing and coverage issues.