A Guide to the Medicaid Appeals Process

This background brief provides a comprehensive look at the appeals process for the Medicaid program, which differs significantly from those available through the Medicare program and private health insurance. The Medicaid appeals process provides redress for individual applicants and beneficiaries seeking eligibility for the program or coverage of prescribed services, but the process is multi-layered and can be complex to navigate. The guide describes Medicaid’s appeals system, including the fair hearing process and the appeals process required for Medicaid managed care organizations. As coverage expands under health reform and efforts proceed to integrate services for dual eligibles, who are enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid, protections through the appeals process will be increasingly important.

Guide (.pdf)