Appeal guide

Church plan

  1. Send your appeal here

    Church plan

    Church plans usually aren't covered by ERISA. If the coverage is bought from an insurance company, your state's rules apply.

  2. Know your deadlines

    • Internal appeal to the plan or insurer180 days from the denial

    Dates you enter stay on this device.

  3. What happens next

    1. Internal appeal to the plan or insurer

      File in writing within 180 days of the denial notice. Ask for your complete claim file and the criteria they used. They must give it to you free. They decide within 30 days for care you haven't had yet, 60 days for care you already received.

    2. Ask your state insurance department

      Tell them it's a church plan and ask whether their external review applies to it.

  4. Get free help

    External review covers denials based on medical judgment ("not medically necessary", "experimental"), cancelled coverage, and surprise-billing disputes. A flat plan exclusion usually isn't eligible, but you can still file the internal appeal.

Coming next

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