Appeal deadline calculator
Missing the deadline is one of the most common reasons appeals fail. Enter your denial date and plan type to estimate how long you have to file — everything is calculated in your browser and nothing is stored.
Important: this is not legal or medical advice.
AppealBrain is a free, self-help tool that helps you draft an appeal letter using the information you provide. We are not a law firm, medical provider, or insurance company, and using this tool does not create an attorney–client relationship. Appeal rules and deadlines vary by plan and state — always review your own denial letter and plan documents, and consider consulting a licensed professional for your specific situation. We do not guarantee any outcome.
Is your employer plan self-funded or fully-insured?
It affects which rules apply. In a self-fundedplan (your employer pays claims directly), federal ERISA rules govern and state deadlines generally don't apply — the window is usually 180 days. In a fully-insured plan (your employer buys coverage from an insurer), your state's insurance rules may also apply and can set a different deadline.
Not sure which you have? Your HR/benefits team or plan documents (the SPD) will say — and your denial letter still states the exact deadline to rely on.
Is your situation urgent?
If a delay could seriously jeopardize your health, you can usually request an expedited (fast) appeal — decisions often come within about 72 hours.
External review is a separate clock
After a final internal denial, the deadline to request an independent external reviewis a different, later window (commonly around four months). If you've already received your final internal denial, enter its date to estimate that deadline.
Ready to appeal?
Our free generator builds a tailored appeal letter, an escalation letter, and a phone script — right in your browser, with nothing stored or uploaded.
Generate my appeal letterGeneral filing windows by plan type
These are common defaults for the first internal appeal. Your exact deadline depends on your plan and is usually stated on your denial letter — always confirm against it.
- Employer / job-based (ERISA)
- 180 days
- ACA Marketplace / individual
- 180 days
- Original Medicare (Part A/B)
- 120 days
- Medicare Advantage or Part D
- 60 days
- Medicaid / CHIP
- up to 90 days (varies by state)
- Other / not sure
- often 60–180 days