What is the typical process to challenge a denied claim?

• A. The insured can request an internal grievance, external review, or state insurance department review.
• B. The insured must wait until the policy renews.
• C. The claim is automatically overturned after one year.
• D. The insurer cannot be contacted.

Answer: (A)

When a claim is denied, the usual path to challenge it starts with an internal grievance or appeal within the insurer. You submit a formal appeal with any new or additional medical information and a clear explanation of why the policy benefits should apply. If the insurer upholds the denial, you can pursue an external review by an independent reviewer who assesses the decision against the policy terms and medical necessity. Some states also allow or require you to bring the issue to the state’s insurance department or regulator, which can review the handling of the claim for compliance and fairness. This sequence—internal appeal, then external review if needed, then regulator involvement if issues persist—reflects the typical process. It isn’t standard to wait until renewal to challenge a denial, nor is there an automatic overturn after a fixed time, and you generally can, and should, contact the insurer to start the grievance process.