How to Navigate Health Insurance Denial of Benefits in Wisconsin

As a Wisconsin resident, understanding your health insurance and benefits can prevent unexpected financial burdens caused by an insurance coverage denial. It’s not uncommon for an insurance company to deny coverage for medical procedures, medications, treatments, or medical devices – even though you pay for premiums. Insurance claim denials can leave you feeling powerless while figuring out how to pay for medical expenses.

Navigating through health insurance denial of benefits can be a complex process. You need to know your rights, the limitations of your insurance policy, and understand the appeals process. In this article, we’ll look at steps you can take to appeal for denied health insurance claims, know when to seek help from a professional, and what to do after a denial.

Step 1: Understand why your claim was denied

Before you can correctly appeal a denied claim, you need first to understand why it was denied. Insurance companies list the reasons in claim denials, often explained in a letter that they send to the policyholder. Commonly cited reasons include:

– The requested treatment or service is “not proven” medically effective or was excluded from coverage.
– Limitations in your policy such as specific exclusions or when certain procedures can’t be done.
– Prior authorization was not obtained or prior notification wasn’t given before receiving treatment.
– The insurance company went beyond policy limits.

Step 2: Appeal and Review the Process

If you feel like your denial was unjustified, don’t hesitate to appeal because it’s your right to appeal for denied claims. Review and follow the appeal process that your insurance company provides. It’s important to submit a written request for an appeal within the specified timeframe, usually 60 to 180 days from the coverage denial date.

Your appeal should consist of a letter outlining why you believe the denial was a mistake. It should include supporting documents such as medical records and a copy of your insurance policy. Make sure your appeal letter is well-organized, clear, and concise.

If your appeal is denied, review the decision letter and note the reasons for denial. Review your policy and investigate whether the denial was consistent with the language of your policy. If not, find out what steps to take next.

Step 3: Seek Help from Professionals

If your appeal gets denied, get help from a professional. Healthcare providers and patient advocates are experienced when it comes to dealing with insurance claims. They can help you understand your policy, how to file your appeal, and provide assistance during appeals.

Also, consider consulting with a lawyer specializing in healthcare law. They can assist you in entering an external review with the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI). The OCI serves as an impartial mediator between you and your insurance company.

Step 4: What to do after a Denied Claim

Should your insurance appeals fail, do not panic. There are still other courses of action that you can take to get the benefits you deserve. Ask your healthcare provider if there are alternative treatments or medications that you could consider that your insurance would cover.

You can also consider approaching your employer. Check with the HR department to see if your employer can help intervene with the insurance company or help to cover the cost of denied treatments.

Conclusion

Denials of health insurance claims can be frustrating, confusing, and costly. However, with a good understanding of your policy, knowing how to appeal, seeking for help if necessary, and reviewing your options will help you navigate through the process. The key takeaway from this article is to never give up and stay informed. With persistence and the right resources, you can still get the medical benefits that you need and deserve.