If you have been denied Medicare coverage and you disagree with the denial, you have the right to appeal.

If you decide to appeal a Medicare decision, you need to do so within 120 days of receiving the Medicare Summary Notice containing the disputed decision. The Medicare website has a step-by-step guide on how to appeal a Medicare decision. You can get this guide by clicking here.

If you are getting services in a hospital, skilled nursing facility, home health agency, comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation facility or hospice, and you think your Medicare-covered services are ending too soon, you have the right to a “fast appeal.” Your provider will give you a notice that tells you when your Medicare-covered services are ending.  This notice will tell you how to ask for a fast appeal.

You might want help with your Medicare appeal.  Call the Legal Services for Maine Elders Helpline at 1-800-750-5353 to talk to an attorney for free.