After months of uncertainty waiting for a diagnosis and finally finding a physician who can treat your rare skin disease, you return from the mailbox with a denial letter from your insurance company. After the shock and frustration has subsided you are now faced with the decision of whether it is worth appealing this insurance determination or should you start back at “square one”.
Chances are that the insurance company is counting on you not appealing but according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, one report revealed that in the four states that tracked such data, 39 to 59 percent of private health insurance appeals resulted in reversal. Those are pretty good odds!
Here are some tips on how to appeal:
1. Read the denial letter carefully. Make sure that you learn about your insurer’s appeals process. In the coverage documents and summary of benefits, insurance companies are required to give all the tools needed to properly make an appeal. There are often deadlines to meet, so act quickly and send it to them as soon as possible.
2. Ask for help from your doctor. Check the medical policy and ask your doctor to review it to prepare something called a letter of medical necessity to support your case. If your doctor is not able to help, be prepared to handle it yourself. You are your best advocate!
3. Contact the IPPF. The foundation can help provide you with resources about the disease and publications citing the use of treatments used for your condition. These documents can help support your case to the insurance company.
4. Write a testimonial letter. You have a rare disease and it is likely that the person making the decision knows nothing about your disease. A letter with pictures detailing your story and exactly what happened will make it personal. Tell them that you are seeking approval for treatment, note any supporting science, clinical evidence, expected benefits, etc. Be clear, firm and concise. Make it clear that you plan to pursue the appeal until it is resolved and is approved.
5. Follow up. Many appeals take weeks, even months, so call often to check the status and take notes of each call. When you speak to the insurance company, write down the time and date, length of the call, the name and title of the person you speak with and all the details of the conversation. Make note of any follow-up activities and next steps to be taken.
Remember, many insurance companies have a tiered appeals process. The first level is processed by the company’s appeals staff or medical director responsible for the denial. Second-level appeals are reviewed by a medical director not involved in the original claim. The third level involves an independent, third-party reviewer. If your insurance company continues to deny the claim; you can then take the appeal to your state’s insurance department, state insurance commissioner or even your local legislators who have staff to assist you.
This process may seem overwhelming but it is worth it. Your health and the health of other pemphigus and pemphigoid patients may be impacted by the awareness you create with the insurance claim.
If you need assistance, just “Ask a Coach!” Remember, when you need us, we are in your corner!