Humana appeal letters require 7 essential components: patient information with Humana member ID, clear denial identification with claim number, medical necessity justification citing Humana Medical Coverage Policies, supporting clinical documentation, timeline compliance (65-day filing deadline for Medicare, 180 days for commercial plans), specific relief requested, and physician signature with credentials. Submit to Humana Grievances and Appeals, P.O. Box 14546, Lexington, KY 40512-4546. Response times are 7 days for Medicare Part C standard appeals, with expedited decisions within 72 hours when medically urgent.
Understanding Humana's Appeal Structure
Humana serves over 17 million Americans, with a primary focus on Medicare Advantage plans (Humana is the #2 Medicare Advantage insurer nationally after UnitedHealthcare). The company also offers commercial insurance, Medicare Part D prescription drug plans, and Medicaid managed care in select states.
Key Humana Plan Types:
- Medicare Advantage (Part C): Humana Gold Plus, Humana Honor, Humana Choice PPO
- Medicare Part D: Stand-alone prescription drug plans
- Commercial Plans: Employer-sponsored and individual market (less common than Medicare)
- Medicaid Managed Care: State-specific (FL, KY, IL, OH, LA, TX, WI)
Humana Medicare Focus
Over 85% of Humana's membership is Medicare (MA or Part D). This guide emphasizes Medicare appeal procedures, with commercial plan guidance where procedures differ. If you're appealing a Humana Medicare denial, expect faster timelines (7 days vs 30-60 days for commercial) and different submission requirements.
Humana Denial & Success Rates
Industry analyses show Humana denies approximately 19-21% of Medicare Advantage claims. However, properly documented appeals citing Humana Medical Coverage Policies achieve 72-80% overturn rates. Medicare Part C appeals with peer-to-peer review exceed 85% success rates.
Critical: Different Deadlines for Medicare vs Commercial
Medicare (Part C/D): 65-day filing deadline from denial date. Commercial plans: 180-day filing deadline. Don't confuse the two—Medicare deadlines are significantly shorter. Always check your denial letter for the specific deadline.
When to File a Humana Appeal: Denial Types & Deadlines
Filing Deadlines by Plan Type
Medicare Advantage (Part C - Medical Services):
- 65 days from date of Notice of Denial of Medical Coverage
- Fastest decision timeline: 7 calendar days for standard appeals
Medicare Part D (Prescription Drugs):
- 65 days from date of Notice of Denial of Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage
- Decision timeline: 7 calendar days for standard redetermination
Commercial Plans:
- 180 days from date on EOB or denial letter (varies by state/plan)
- Decision timeline: 30 days (pre-service) or 60 days (post-service)
Medicaid Managed Care (State-Specific):
- 60 days from Notice of Action (most states)
- Decision timeline: 30 days standard, 72 hours expedited
Don't Miss the 65-Day Medicare Deadline
Humana Medicare (Part C and Part D) has only 65 days to file appeals—significantly shorter than commercial plans' 180 days. Set a calendar reminder for 50 days after denial to allow 15-day buffer for preparation. Missing the deadline forfeits appeal rights permanently.
Common Humana Denial Reasons Worth Appealing
Medical Necessity Denials (75-82% overturn rate):
- "Does not meet Humana Medical Coverage Policy criteria"
- "Not medically necessary per clinical review"
- "Service considered investigational or experimental"
- "Insufficient clinical documentation to support medical necessity"
Prior Authorization Denials (82-88% overturn rate with peer-to-peer):
- "Prior authorization not obtained"
- "Does not meet Humana precertification criteria"
- "Alternative treatment should be tried first" (step therapy)
- "Service should be performed in different setting or by different provider type"
Administrative Denials (85%+ overturn rate):
- Coding errors or diagnosis/procedure mismatches
- Timely filing disputes (when submission was actually timely)
- Out-of-network denials when network adequacy insufficient
- Duplicate claim denials (when services were separate and distinct)
Essential Components of a Winning Humana Appeal Letter
1. Complete Identification Information
Patient Demographics:
- Full legal name (as on insurance card)
- Date of birth
- Humana Member ID (check card format)
- Group number (if applicable)
- Plan type (Medicare Advantage HMO/PPO, Part D, Commercial)
Provider Information:
- Provider name with credentials
- Medical license number and state
- National Provider Identifier (NPI)
- Tax ID (TIN)
- Practice address, phone, fax, email
2. Clear Denial Identification
- Denial date (date on Notice of Denial)
- Claim number or reference number (from denial letter)
- Service/procedure denied with CPT/HCPCS codes
- Date of service
- Denial reason (exact language from denial notice)
- Remark code (if provided on EOB)
- Billed amount
3. Humana Medical Coverage Policy Citation
Humana uses Medical Coverage Policies that define when services are medically necessary (similar to other insurers' policies).
Finding Humana Medical Coverage Policies:
- Visit Provider.Humana.com → Clinical Resources → Medical Coverage Policies
- Search by procedure name or CPT code
- Note the policy number/title and effective date
In Your Appeal:
According to Humana Medical Coverage Policy: [TITLE] (effective [DATE]),
[service] is considered medically necessary when:
"[Quote exact policy criterion #1]"
[Patient Name] meets this criterion because:
- [Specific clinical evidence]
- [Objective measurement]
- [Documentation reference]
"[Quote exact policy criterion #2]"
[Patient Name] meets this criterion as evidenced by:
- [Clinical finding]
- [Test result]
- [How this satisfies the criterion]
[Continue for ALL policy criteria]
4. Medical Necessity Justification
- Patient clinical history: Diagnosis (ICD-10), symptoms, exam findings, functional limitations
- Evidence-based support: Medical society guidelines, peer-reviewed research, FDA approval status
- Expected outcomes: Measurable goals, timeline, consequences of denial
5. Supporting Clinical Documentation
- Clinical records (office notes, diagnostic tests, previous treatment records)
- Policy documentation (Humana Medical Coverage Policy excerpts)
- Evidence base (clinical guidelines, peer-reviewed abstracts)
- Administrative documents (denial letter, prior auth denial, treatment order)
6. Timeline Compliance Statement
Medicare: "This appeal is submitted within the 65-day filing deadline, [X] days after receiving the denial notice dated [Date]."
Commercial: "This appeal is submitted within the 180-day filing deadline, [X] days after receiving the denial notice dated [Date]."
7. Peer-to-Peer Request
"I am available for peer-to-peer review with a Humana medical director at your earliest convenience. Please contact me at [phone] or [email]."
Template 1: Medicare Advantage (Part C) Appeal Letter
[Date]
Humana Grievances and Appeals
P.O. Box 14546
Lexington, KY 40512-4546
RE: Medicare Advantage Appeal - Organization Determination
Member: [Patient Full Name]
Member ID: [Humana Medicare ID]
Date of Birth: [MM/DD/YYYY]
Medicare Advantage Plan: [Specific Humana MA plan name]
Claim/Determination #: [Reference Number]
Date of Service: [MM/DD/YYYY]
Provider: [Your Practice Name]
Provider NPI: [Your NPI Number]
Dear Humana Medical Director:
I am writing to appeal the denial of coverage for [SPECIFIC SERVICE/PROCEDURE] for the above Medicare Advantage member. This appeal is submitted [X] days after the Notice of Denial dated [DENIAL DATE], within the required 65-day filing deadline.
DENIAL IDENTIFICATION:
Humana denied coverage stating: "[exact denial language from Notice of Denial]." This determination contradicts Medicare medical necessity standards and Humana Medical Coverage Policy.
PATIENT CLINICAL PRESENTATION:
[Patient Name] is a [age]-year-old Medicare beneficiary diagnosed with [CONDITION] (ICD-10: [CODE]).
Current Clinical Status:
- [Objective finding #1 with measurement]
- [Objective finding #2]
- [Functional limitations with impact on activities of daily living]
- [Diagnostic test results confirming diagnosis and severity]
Previous Conservative Management:
Prior to this service, the patient systematically attempted:
1. **[Treatment #1]:** [Duration, dates] - Outcome: [Objective result, why insufficient]
2. **[Treatment #2]:** [Duration, dates] - Outcome: [Result, inadequate response]
3. **[Treatment #3]:** [Duration, dates] - Outcome: [Result, continued symptoms]
Despite adequate conservative treatment, [Patient Name] requires the denied service.
HUMANA MEDICAL COVERAGE POLICY COMPLIANCE:
According to Humana Medical Coverage Policy: [POLICY TITLE] (effective [DATE]), [service] is considered medically necessary when:
**Policy Criterion 1:** "[Quote exact Humana policy language]"
[Patient Name] meets this criterion:
- [Specific clinical evidence with objective measures]
- [Diagnostic test result]
- [Documentation reference: office note date, test date]
**Policy Criterion 2:** "[Quote exact policy language]"
[Patient Name] meets this criterion:
- [Clinical finding demonstrating compliance]
- [Functional limitation data]
- [How this satisfies the policy requirement]
**Policy Criterion 3:** "[Quote exact policy language]"
[Patient Name] meets this criterion:
- [Supporting clinical evidence]
- [Objective measurement]
- [Explanation of policy compliance]
[Continue for ALL Humana policy criteria]
MEDICARE MEDICAL NECESSITY STANDARDS:
Per Medicare regulations (42 CFR 422.566), services are medically necessary when appropriate for the symptoms, diagnosis, or treatment of a condition and provided for diagnosis, treatment, or direct care of the condition.
[Patient Name]'s clinical presentation meets Medicare medical necessity standards:
- [How service is appropriate for diagnosis]
- [How service is necessary for treatment of condition]
- [How service meets standard medical practice]
CLINICAL GUIDELINE SUPPORT:
**[Medical Society] Clinical Practice Guidelines ([Year]):**
"[Quote specific recommendation supporting this treatment for this diagnosis]"
[Explain how patient's condition aligns with guideline recommendation]
**Peer-Reviewed Evidence:**
[Author et al.], [Journal Name], [Year] (n=[sample size if available]): Demonstrated [key finding supporting medical necessity of this treatment]. [Brief explanation of clinical relevance to this patient]
MEDICAL NECESSITY RATIONALE:
[2-3 paragraphs explaining:]
[Paragraph 1: Why this specific treatment is necessary given patient's condition, why alternatives are inadequate or contraindicated]
[Paragraph 2: Expected clinical outcomes with measurable goals and timeline]
[Paragraph 3: Consequences of denial—disease progression, permanent disability, functional decline, quality of life impact, increased healthcare costs]
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION:
I have attached the following documentation:
- Office visit notes from [dates] documenting medical necessity
- [Diagnostic test] results from [date] showing [findings]
- Treatment records from previous interventions ([dates])
- Humana Medical Coverage Policy excerpts
- [Medical Society] Clinical Practice Guideline excerpts
- Peer-reviewed research abstracts
- Letter of medical necessity from treating physician
RELIEF REQUESTED:
I respectfully request that Humana overturn this denial and approve payment for [specific service/procedure, CPT code(s)] in the amount of $[billed amount] as medically necessary per Humana Medical Coverage Policy and Medicare medical necessity standards.
PEER-TO-PEER REVIEW REQUESTED:
I am available for peer-to-peer review with a Humana medical director:
- Direct Phone: [phone number]
- Cell: [cell if willing to provide]
- Email: [email address]
- Best times to reach: [specify or state "any time"]
TIMELINE:
This Medicare Advantage appeal is submitted [X] days after the denial dated [DATE], within the 65-day filing deadline. Per Humana Medicare appeal procedures and CMS regulations, I request a decision within 7 calendar days for standard appeals.
If Humana does not issue a decision within 7 calendar days, this appeal will automatically advance to Independent Review Entity (IRE) review per CMS regulations (42 CFR 422.618).
Sincerely,
[Physician Signature]
[Physician Name, MD/DO with Credentials]
Medical License #: [Number] ([State])
NPI: [Number]
TIN: [Tax ID]
[Practice Name]
[Complete Address]
[Phone] | [Fax] | [Email]
Enclosures:
[List all attachments - typically 8-12 documents]Template 2: Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug) Appeal Letter
[Date]
Humana Pharmacy Appeals
P.O. Box 14546
Lexington, KY 40512-4546
RE: Medicare Part D Redetermination Request
Member: [Patient Full Name]
Member ID: [Humana Part D ID]
Date of Birth: [MM/DD/YYYY]
Prescription: [Drug Name, Strength, Quantity]
Coverage Determination Denial Date: [DATE]
Prescriber: [Prescribing Physician Name]
Prescriber NPI: [NPI]
Dear Humana Pharmacy Medical Director:
I am writing to appeal the denial of coverage for [DRUG NAME] for the above Medicare Part D enrollee. This redetermination request is submitted [X] days after the coverage determination denial dated [DENIAL DATE], within the required 65-day filing deadline.
DENIAL REASON:
Humana denied coverage stating: "[exact denial language from coverage determination letter]." This denial is medically inappropriate and should be overturned.
PATIENT CLINICAL PRESENTATION:
[Patient Name] is a [age]-year-old Medicare beneficiary with [DIAGNOSIS, ICD-10: CODE] requiring [drug name] for [therapeutic purpose].
Clinical Status:
- [Disease severity with objective measures]
- [Current symptoms and functional impact]
- [Comorbid conditions affecting treatment options]
- [Why this specific medication is necessary]
MEDICARE PART D COVERAGE CRITERIA:
**FDA Approval:**
[Drug name] is FDA-approved for [indication], specifically for [patient's diagnosis]. FDA approval date: [date].
[OR if off-label:]
**Medically Accepted Indication:**
Use of [drug name] for [condition] is supported by [compendia: AHFS-DI, Micromedex, NCCN Guidelines] and constitutes a medically accepted indication per CMS Part D guidelines.
PREVIOUS MEDICATION TRIALS (Step Therapy):
[Patient Name] has systematically attempted formulary-preferred alternatives:
1. **[Alternative drug #1]:** [Duration, dates]
- Outcome: [Inadequate efficacy OR adverse effects with clinical data]
- [Supporting documentation: lab values, symptom scores]
2. **[Alternative drug #2]:** [Duration, dates]
- Outcome: [Why insufficient response]
- [Clinical evidence of failure]
3. **[Alternative drug #3 if applicable]:** [Duration, dates]
- Outcome: [Failure reason with objective data]
[OR if contraindications exist:]
**Contraindications to Formulary Alternatives:**
[Patient Name] cannot use formulary-preferred medications due to:
- [Specific contraindication #1 with clinical evidence]
- [Contraindication #2 with documentation]
- [Medical reason why requested drug is only appropriate option]
CLINICAL GUIDELINE SUPPORT:
**[Medical Society] Treatment Guidelines ([Year]):**
"[Quote guideline recommendation supporting this medication for this indication]"
**Peer-Reviewed Evidence:**
[Author et al.], [Journal], [Year]: Demonstrated [efficacy/safety data supporting use for this condition].
HUMANA COVERAGE POLICY COMPLIANCE:
Per Humana Medical Coverage Policy for [drug class/indication], [drug name] is appropriate when [quote policy criteria]. [Patient Name] meets these criteria as evidenced by [clinical documentation].
EXPECTED OUTCOMES:
With [drug name], expected clinical outcomes include:
- [Measurable goal #1 with timeline]
- [Measurable goal #2]
- [Improvement in disease control, symptoms, or quality of life]
CONSEQUENCES OF DENIAL:
Without this medication, [Patient Name] will experience:
- [Disease progression or symptom worsening]
- [Functional decline with specific impacts]
- [Quality of life deterioration]
- [Potential complications or increased healthcare utilization]
RELIEF REQUESTED:
I respectfully request that Humana overturn this coverage determination denial and approve [drug name, strength, quantity, refills] as medically necessary for [Patient Name]'s Medicare Part D covered condition.
PEER-TO-PEER REVIEW:
I am available for peer-to-peer discussion with a Humana pharmacist or medical director:
- Phone: [phone]
- Email: [email]
TIMELINE:
Per Medicare Part D appeal regulations (42 CFR 423.590), I request a redetermination decision within 7 calendar days. If Humana does not issue a decision within 7 days, this appeal will automatically advance to the Independent Review Entity (IRE) per CMS requirements.
Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Physician/Prescriber Name with Credentials]
DEA #: [if controlled substance]
Medical License #: [Number]
NPI: [Number]
[Phone] | [Fax]
Enclosures:
- Coverage determination denial letter
- Clinical notes documenting diagnosis and treatment need
- Previous medication trial documentation
- Lab results / diagnostic tests
- [Compendia] support for off-label use [if applicable]
- Clinical guideline excerptsTemplate 3: Expedited/Urgent Appeal Letter
[Date]
**EXPEDITED APPEAL REQUEST - URGENT**
Humana Expedited Appeals
P.O. Box 14546
Lexington, KY 40512-4546
Fax: [Expedited fax from denial letter]
Phone: 800-867-6601 (Expedited Appeals Line)
RE: EXPEDITED Appeal - Urgent Medical Necessity
Member: [Patient Name]
Member ID: [Humana ID]
Claim/Determination #: [Number]
Plan Type: [Medicare Advantage / Commercial]
Dear Humana Urgent Review Medical Director:
I am requesting EXPEDITED appeal review for [service/procedure] due to urgent medical necessity. Standard appeal timelines (7-30 days) pose unacceptable risk to this patient's health.
URGENT CLINICAL SITUATION:
[Patient Name] requires immediate [treatment] due to [urgent medical condition]. Delay in care will result in [specific, measurable clinical consequences].
Current Urgent Clinical Status:
- **[Urgent finding #1]:** [Objective clinical data demonstrating urgency]
- **[Urgent finding #2]:** [Time-sensitive clinical parameter]
- **Risk of Delay:** [Specific harm: disease progression, permanent disability, severe pain]
- **Clinical Timeline:** Without treatment within [timeframe], patient will likely experience [specific adverse outcome]
MEDICAL NECESSITY JUSTIFICATION:
**Diagnosis:** [Diagnosis with ICD-10 code]
**Why Immediate Treatment is Necessary:**
[2-3 paragraphs focusing on urgency:]
- Current critical clinical status requiring immediate intervention
- Why immediate treatment is medically necessary
- Expected deterioration without prompt treatment
- Why standard appeal timeline is medically unacceptable for this patient
**Humana Policy Compliance:**
Per Humana Medical Coverage Policy: [POLICY TITLE], [service] is medically necessary when [quote key criterion]. [Patient Name] meets this criterion urgently based on [clinical evidence].
**Clinical Guideline Support:**
[Medical Society] guidelines ([Year]) recommend [quote guideline regarding timing/urgency of intervention].
PREVIOUS DENIAL BASIS:
Humana denied [prior authorization / claim] on [date] stating "[denial reason]." This denial is medically inappropriate given:
- [Why denial reason is clinically incorrect]
- [Clinical evidence supporting immediate medical necessity]
- [Urgency factors requiring immediate approval]
PEER-TO-PEER IMMEDIATE AVAILABILITY:
I am available for IMMEDIATE peer-to-peer review 24/7 to discuss this urgent case:
- Direct Phone: [number]
- Cell Phone: [number]
- Email: [email]
- Available: Any time, including evenings and weekends
TIME-SENSITIVE REQUEST:
Per Humana expedited review procedures, I request a decision within:
- **72 hours** for urgent pre-service determinations
- **24 hours** if patient's life or health is in immediate jeopardy
To prevent irreversible harm to [Patient Name], I respectfully request immediate review and approval of this medically necessary, time-sensitive treatment.
RELIEF REQUESTED:
Immediate authorization for [service, CPT codes] to begin [treatment timeline: today, within 24 hours, etc.].
Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Physician Name with Credentials]
Medical License #: [Number]
NPI: [Number]
[Phone] | [Cell] | [Email]
**SUBMITTED VIA FAX FOR IMMEDIATE REVIEW: [Date/Time]**
**Follow-up phone call to 800-867-6601 to confirm expedited processing**
Enclosures:
- Clinical documentation demonstrating urgency
- Diagnostic test results
- Humana Medical Coverage Policy excerpts
- Clinical guidelines supporting urgent interventionHumana Appeal Submission: Addresses & Contact Information
Primary Appeal Address
All Plan Types (Medicare, Commercial, Medicaid): Humana Grievances and Appeals P.O. Box 14546 Lexington, KY 40512-4546
Single Centralized Address
Unlike other insurers with multiple state-specific addresses, Humana uses a single centralized appeals address in Lexington, KY for all plan types. This simplifies submission but always verify the address on your specific denial letter.
Phone & Fax Options
Customer Care / Provider Services: Call the number on the back of the patient's Humana ID card
Expedited Appeals: 800-867-6601
General Appeals Inquiry: Use the provider services number on your remittance advice
Fax: Check denial letter for plan-specific fax number
Online Submission
Humana Online Appeal Form: Visit: Resolutions.Humana.com for online appeal submission (available for some plan types)
Confirmation & Tracking
- Use certified mail with return receipt for paper submissions
- Keep copies of all documents submitted
- If no confirmation within 7-10 business days, call Provider Services
- Document submission date for deadline tracking (65 days Medicare, 180 days commercial)
Humana Medical Coverage Policies: How to Find & Cite
Finding Humana Coverage Policies
Step 1: Visit Provider.Humana.com → Clinical Resources → Medical Coverage Policies Step 2: Search by procedure name or CPT code Step 3: Note policy title and effective date Step 4: Download full policy document
Policy Structure
- Policy Title (Humana uses descriptive titles rather than numbers)
- Effective Date and Last Review Date
- Coverage Criteria (requirements for medical necessity—CRITICAL)
- Exclusions/Limitations
- References (clinical guidelines, evidence base)
Citing in Your Appeal
Format:
According to Humana Medical Coverage Policy: [TITLE] (effective [DATE],
last reviewed [DATE]), [service] is considered medically necessary when:
"[Quote exact policy criterion #1]"
[Patient Name] meets this criterion because: [specific evidence]
"[Quote exact policy criterion #2]"
[Patient Name] meets this criterion as evidenced by: [clinical finding]
[Continue for ALL policy criteria]
Policy Citation Success Rate
Appeals quoting Humana Medical Coverage Policies verbatim with criterion-by-criterion responses achieve 78-84% overturn rates vs 46% for generic medical necessity statements (Muni analysis of 1,400+ Humana appeals, 2024-2025).
Humana Appeal Response Times & What to Expect
Standard Timelines
Medicare Advantage (Part C):
- Standard: 7 calendar days
- Expedited: 72 hours
- Auto-escalation to IRE if no decision within 7 days
Medicare Part D:
- Redetermination: 7 calendar days
- Expedited: 72 hours
- Auto-escalation to IRE if no decision within 7 days
Commercial Plans:
- Pre-service: 30 calendar days
- Post-service: 60 calendar days
Medicaid:
- Standard: 30 calendar days
- Expedited: 72 hours
What Happens During Review
Days 1-3: Appeal logged, assigned to medical director Days 3-5: Clinical review, peer-to-peer if requested Days 5-7: Final decision (Medicare), letter sent
If No Decision:
- Medicare: Automatically escalates to IRE after 7 days
- Commercial: Call Provider Services to request status
Medicare Auto-Escalation
If Humana doesn't issue a decision on your Medicare (Part C or Part D) appeal within 7 calendar days, your appeal automatically advances to the Independent Review Entity (IRE) per CMS regulations. This protects you from Humana delays, but confirm the escalation occurred by calling Humana.
How Muni Automates Humana Appeals
Policy Auto-Citation
Manual (35-45 minutes): Search Humana policy database → Download policy → Extract criteria → Draft criterion-by-criterion response → Format letter → Submit
Muni (5 minutes): Enter service → AI identifies Humana policy → Extracts all criteria → Generates response template → You add clinical details → One-click submission
Medicare Timeline Tracking
Muni automatically:
- Tracks 65-day Medicare filing deadline (vs 180-day commercial)
- Alerts you at 50 days if appeal not submitted
- Monitors 7-day decision timeline
- Confirms IRE auto-escalation if Humana misses deadline
Real Results
Medicare-Focused Primary Care Practice: "95% of our patients are Humana Medicare Advantage. Before Muni, we missed the 65-day deadline on several appeals (thought it was 180 days like commercial plans). Muni tracks Medicare-specific deadlines and appeals take 5 minutes vs 40 minutes. Our overturn rate went from 64% to 82%."
- Manual Humana appeal: 35-45 minutes
- Muni appeal: 5 minutes
- Overturn improvement: 64% → 82%
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a Humana appeal?
Medicare (Part C/D): 65 days from the date on your Notice of Denial. Commercial plans: 180 days from date on EOB or denial letter. This is a critical difference—Medicare deadlines are significantly shorter. Set calendar reminder for 50 days (Medicare) or 150 days (commercial) to allow prep time. Missing deadlines forfeits appeal rights permanently.
Where do I send my Humana appeal?
All plan types: Humana Grievances and Appeals, P.O. Box 14546, Lexington, KY 40512-4546. Humana uses a single centralized appeal address (unlike BCBS with state-specific addresses). Always verify the address on your specific denial letter. For expedited appeals, call 800-867-6601 in addition to mailing.
How long does Humana take to respond to appeals?
Medicare (Part C/D): 7 calendar days for standard appeals, 72 hours for expedited. Commercial: 30 days (pre-service), 60 days (post-service). For Medicare, if Humana doesn't respond within 7 days, your appeal automatically advances to Independent Review Entity (IRE) per CMS regulations. Confirm auto-escalation by calling Humana.
Should I request peer-to-peer review in my Humana appeal?
Yes. Peer-to-peer reviews increase overturn rates by 15-20%. Always include: "I am available for peer-to-peer review with a Humana medical director at [phone] or [email]." Provide direct number and availability. Humana typically schedules within 3-5 business days, with decisions often following within 24-48 hours post-call (faster than written-only appeals).
What is the difference between Humana Part C and Part D appeals?
Part C (Medicare Advantage) covers medical services (doctor visits, procedures, hospital stays). Part D covers prescription drugs. Both have 65-day filing deadlines and 7-day decision timelines, but submission addresses may differ and Part D appeals focus on: FDA approval/medically accepted indication, step therapy failures, contraindications to formulary drugs. Part C appeals focus on medical necessity per Humana Medical Coverage Policies.
What happens if my Humana appeal is denied?
For Medicare: Denied organization determinations (Part C) or redeterminations (Part D) automatically advance to Independent Review Entity (IRE) for reconsideration. If IRE denies, you can appeal to Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) if amount meets threshold. For commercial: Check denial letter for Level 2 internal appeal options or state external review eligibility.
How do I submit an expedited Humana appeal?
Call 800-867-6601 (Expedited Appeals Line) stating "expedited appeal request." Submit via fax (number on denial letter) + mail marked "EXPEDITED - URGENT." In your letter, document: urgent clinical situation, specific harm from delay, why immediate treatment necessary, 24/7 contact info for immediate peer-to-peer. Request 72-hour decision (Medicare/Medicaid) or 24 hours (life-threatening situations). Follow up 4-6 hours after submission.
Can I file a Humana appeal online?
Yes, for some plan types. Visit Resolutions.Humana.com to access Humana's online appeal form. Online submission provides immediate confirmation and faster processing. However, mailing to P.O. Box 14546 remains the standard method accepted for all plan types. For complex appeals with extensive clinical documentation, mail + online submission provides redundancy.
Do Humana Medicaid plans have different appeal procedures?
Yes. Humana Medicaid managed care (available in FL, KY, IL, OH, LA, TX, WI) follows state Medicaid regulations. Differences may include: state-specific forms, 60-day filing deadlines (vs 65-day Medicare or 180-day commercial), 30-day decision timelines, state Medicaid policies superseding Humana policies. Check your Medicaid denial letter for state-specific procedures.
Where do I find Humana Medical Coverage Policies?
Visit Provider.Humana.com → Clinical Resources → Medical Coverage Policies. Search by procedure name or CPT code. Note policy title and effective date. Download full PDF. If online access unavailable, call Humana Provider Services (number on your remittance advice) and request the specific Medical Coverage Policy by service name or CPT code.
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This guide reflects October 2025 Humana appeal procedures for Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D, commercial, and Medicaid plans. Humana Medical Coverage Policies are updated regularly—verify current policies at Provider.Humana.com. Muni Appeals maintains current Humana policies and tracks Medicare-specific deadlines.
