CancerExplained.org · Free health handout
Insurance Denial Appeal Starter
A plain-language worksheet for collecting denial details before an appeal
Write down
- Denial date, claim number, service denied, and reason code.
- Appeal deadline and where the appeal must be sent.
- Doctor, navigator, or billing-office contact who can provide records.
Ask for
- The full denial letter and plan rule used to deny coverage.
- A letter of medical necessity if the care team thinks it is appropriate.
- Whether there is an internal appeal, external review, or urgent appeal option.
Do not argue from memory. Appeal from the denial letter, deadline, records, and plan rules.
This resource is provided by:
This handout is for education only and is not medical advice. Talk with a qualified healthcare professional about what is right for you.
Sources: HealthCare.gov: Appealing a health plan decision. Updated 2026-07-21.
Learn more in plain language: https://cancerexplained.org/practical-support/what-to-do-if-insurance-denies-cancer-treatment/ — free to copy and share for non-commercial education.