
If you're dealing with a denied claim from Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), you're not alone. Many people face this situation, and it's essential to know your rights and the steps to take.
BCBS has a formal appeal process that you can follow to dispute a denied claim. This process is outlined in the BCBS appeal form and grievance process explained in the BCBS website.
You can initiate the appeal process by submitting a written appeal to BCBS within 180 days of receiving the denial letter.
Appeal Process
An appeal is a way to ask for someone to review BCBSIL's actions. You might want to file an appeal if BCBSIL does not approve a service your provider asks for, stops a service that was approved before, does not pay for a service your PCP or other provider asked for, does not give you the service in a timely manner, does not answer your appeal in a timely manner, or does not approve a service for you because it was not in their network.
You'll get a "Notice of Action" letter from BCBSIL if they decide to not approve a service or make changes to an existing one. This letter will tell you the action taken, the reason, and your rights to file an appeal, ask for a State Fair Hearing, or request an expedited appeal. You must file your appeal within 60 calendar days from the date on the letter.
There are two ways to file an appeal or grievance: Filing an appeal in writing by mail or fax, orCalling BCBSIL to file an appeal over the phone.
Disputed Claims Process
If you receive a "Notice of Action" letter from BCBSIL, you must file your appeal within 60 calendar days from the date on the letter. This letter will tell you the reason for the action taken and your right to file an appeal.
You can file an appeal if BCBSIL doesn't approve a service your provider asks for, stops a service that was approved before, doesn't pay for a service your PCP or other provider asked for, doesn't give you the service in a timely manner, or doesn't answer your appeal in a timely manner. You can also file an appeal if BCBSIL doesn't approve a service for you because it was not in their network.

The Notice of Action letter will also inform you about your right to ask for a State Fair Hearing and how to do it. You have the right to ask for a State Fair Hearing if you disagree with the decision made by BCBSIL.
Here are the reasons why you might receive a Notice of Action letter and the actions that BCBSIL can take:
You have the right to ask for an expedited appeal in some circumstances, and the Notice of Action letter will inform you about this right.
Initial Determinations
You can submit a request for an initial determination outside of regular business hours and on weekends by calling 1-877-444-5380.
The initial determination is the starting point for dealing with requests about covering a Part D drug and/or Part C medical care or service you need, or paying for a Part D drug and Part C medical care or service you already received.

You may submit a request for a standard or fast initial determination to get a decision about whether we will give you, or pay for, the Part D drug and/or Part C medical care or service you are requesting.
To request a standard coverage determination for a Part D drug, we must give you our decision no later than seventy-two hours after we receive your request.
We will make a decision sooner if your request is for a Part D drug that you have not received yet and your health condition requires us to.
If your request involves a request for an exception, we must give you our decision no later than seventy-two hours after we receive a statement from your physician explaining why the drug you are asking for is medically necessary.
To request a standard organization determination for Part C medical care or services you have not yet received, we will make a decision as expeditiously as your health condition requires, but no later than fourteen calendar days after we receive your request.
We can take up to 14 more days if you ask for additional time, or if we need more information and we can justify how the delay is in your best interest.

If we take additional days, we will notify you in writing.
You may ask for a fast decision if it is believed that waiting for a standard decision could seriously harm your health or your ability to function.
If you request a fast coverage determination about a Part D prescription drug that you have not yet received, we will give you our decision within twenty-four hours after we receive your request.
We will give you the decision sooner if your health condition requires us to.
Filing a Grievance
You can file a grievance with BCBSIL by calling their Customer Service department immediately. You can also file a grievance by mail or in person.
You have the right to file a grievance if you have a complaint about the quality of care received under Medicare. This can be done in oral or written format to BCBSIL or to an independent organization called the Quality Improvement Organization (QIO).
You can file a grievance by calling BCBSIL at 1-877-883-9577 (TTY: 711) from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday – Friday. Representatives are also available weekends from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. from October 1 – March 31.
You can also file a grievance in writing by submitting a secure eForm on the BCBSIL website. You have the right to ask for a "fast" or "expedited" grievance if a delay would significantly increase any risk to your health.
Here are some examples of when you may want to file a grievance:
- If your provider or a BCBSIL employee did not respect your rights
- If you had trouble getting an appointment with your provider in a reasonable amount of time
- If you were unhappy with the care or treatment you received
- If your provider or a BCBSIL employee was rude to you
- If your provider or a BCBSIL employee did not respect your cultural needs or other special needs you may have
You can file a grievance within sixty (60) calendar days of the event or incident. BCBSIL must address your grievance as quickly as your case requires based on your health status, but no later than thirty (30) calendar days after receiving your complaint.
Medication and Coverage
If you're taking a new medication and it's not covered by your plan, don't worry, there's a process in place to help you get the coverage you need.
The New to Market FDA-Approved Medication Review Exception Process allows you to apply for coverage of an excluded drug at a tier 3 cost share if you've met the requirements outlined.
FDA-Approved Medication Review Process

The FDA-Approved Medication Review Process is a crucial step in determining coverage for certain medications.
To be eligible, a medication must be FDA-approved, which ensures it meets rigorous safety and efficacy standards.
One exception process allows members to apply for coverage of an excluded drug at a tier 3 cost share if they've met specific requirements.
This process is called the New to Market FDA-Approved Medication Review Exception Process.
Contraceptive
Contraceptive options are available for those who need them, and there's a process in place to help make them more accessible.
If you're a member and want to apply for coverage or a formulary tier exception for a contraceptive drug or product, you can fill out the Contraceptive Exception Form.
Member Requests
If you need to request an exception for a specific procedure or treatment, you'll want to fill out the right form. You can use the Family Planning Exception Member Request Form to request an exception for a surgical procedure that can be performed as contraceptive therapy.
To request a formulary tier exception, you'll need to complete and file a Tier Exception Member Request Form. This is the process for all formulary tier exceptions.
You can submit a request for a "standard" or "expedited" decision for Part D drugs or Part C medical care by calling, faxing, or writing to the relevant department.
Family Planning Request
If you need a surgical procedure that can be used as contraceptive therapy and it's not listed in your plan brochure, you can submit a Family Planning Exception Member Request Form.
This form is specifically designed to handle such requests, making it easier for you to get the care you need.
You can use this form to request an exception for a procedure that's not typically covered under your plan, but has contraceptive benefits.
Just remember to fill out the form accurately and completely, so your request can be processed efficiently.
The form is a straightforward way to communicate your needs to your healthcare provider and the plan administrators.
ACA Member Request
The ACA Member Request process is relatively straightforward. To initiate a request, you'll need to complete the ACA Bowel Prep Prevention Coverage Member Request Form.
This form is specifically designed for requests related to bowel prep prevention coverage. If you're unsure about what this entails, don't worry – it's usually related to medical procedures or treatments that require bowel preparation.
The form is a crucial step in getting your request processed. Make sure to fill it out accurately and completely to avoid any delays or issues.
Tier Member Request
To request a tier exception, you'll need to complete a request form, specifically the Tier Exception Member Request Form.
This form is a crucial step in the process, as it provides the necessary information for your request to be reviewed.
You'll need to file the completed form for your request to be processed.
The form is a standard part of the tier exception process, so be sure to have it ready when submitting your request.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the timely filing limit for BCBS LA appeal?
To appeal a BCBS LA claim denial, you must submit a written request within 180 days of receiving the denial notice. Don't miss the deadline – act quickly to preserve your appeal rights.
Sources
- https://www.fepblue.org/claim-forms
- https://www.floridablue.com/members/tools-resources/forms
- https://www.signnow.com/fill-and-sign-pdf-form/229716-blue-cross-blue-shield-of-michigan-provider-appeal-form
- https://www.excellusbcbs.com/medicare-coverage/enroll/grievance-appeals
- https://www.bcbsil.com/bcchp/resources/appeals-and-grievances
Featured Images: pexels.com