Questions & answers · Health insurance
How long do I have to appeal a denial from a job-based health or disability plan?
Health insuranceAppealChecked Nov 5, 2026
From K.Actuary, founded by Sangmin Kwon, ASA · sources checked 2026-11-05 · Source: 29 CFR 2560.503-1 (eCFR (current as of 2026-11-02)) · § 2560.503-1(h)(2)(i), (h)(3)(i), (h)(4) View original ↗
In short
- A job-based health plan gives you at least 180 days to appeal.
- Disability plans also give at least 180 days. Other job plans give at least 60.
- Your notice shows your exact deadline.
What this means
If your job-based plan is a group health plan, you get at least 180 days after you receive the denial notice to appeal [1]. Plans that pay disability benefits must follow the same 180-day rule [1]. For other kinds of job-based benefit plans, the minimum is at least 60 days [1]. These are minimums. The denial notice must describe the plan's review steps and their time limits, so check it for your exact deadline [2].
Where this comes from (2)
[1] 29 CFR 2560.503-1 (eCFR (current as of 2026-11-02)) · § 2560.503-1(h)(2)(i), (h)(3)(i), (h)(4) · checked 2026-11-05
Provide claimants at least 60 days following receipt of a notification of an adverse benefit determination within which to appeal the determination; … (3) Group health plans. … (i) Provide claimants at least 180 days following receipt of a notification of an adverse benefit determination within which to appeal the determination; … (4) Plans providing disability benefits. The claims procedures of a plan providing disa…
[2] 29 CFR 2560.503-1 (eCFR (current as of 2026-11-02)) · § 2560.503-1(g)(1)(iv) · checked 2026-11-05
A description of the plan's review procedures and the time limits applicable to such procedures
How we found this
We matched your question to 2 official sources, quoted the exact lines, and re-checked each quote against its source on 2026-11-05.
What we don’t know yet
Your own plan or notice may say something different. If your letter cites another rule, send it and we will look again.
Every answer is checked against the official rule it quotes.
Information only — not legal advice. Your plan, insurer or agency decides.
This answer quotes the official sources listed above, with the date we checked them. Your own policy, notice and state rules control. We are not your lawyer or your insurer. We don’t file, argue or negotiate claims for you — you send any letter or form yourself.
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