How long do Medicare appeals take?

Question

Gary Church · Accepted Answer

Had a question that came up: how long do Medicare appeals take? Generally, it’s up to about 60 days from receipt of that appeal. So hopefully that answers your question. Thank you.

Mark Bilgere · Answer

There are several levels of Medicare appeals.

The first level appeal is a "Redetermination". This can take up to 60 days once Medicare receives your appeal.

The second level is a "Reconsideration". This can also take up to 60 days.

Next, the third level, is a "Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge". This is supposed to be 90 days, but a backlog of cases actually makes it longer. It could be months or a year.

The fourth level is a "Medicare Appeals Council Review". Again this is 90 days from receipt of the request.

Finally, the fifth level is going to "Federal District Court". This process could take months to years.

Daniel Brechin · Answer

Medicare appeals can take up to a year.  Medicare advantage programs.   Generally handle in 60-90 days.

John Becker · Answer

Medicare appeal time lines are strictly regulated by CMS. There are 5 levels of appeals that all have a realistic timeline. If you are more specific with the level, i could give you a better estimate. Usually with an expedited 9Fast) appeal you will get and decision in 24-72 hrs.

Answered by John Becker on October 23, 2025

Agent Licensed in WI & MN

Answered by John Becker Medicare Insurance Agent

Lynn C Shurtleff · Answer

It depends on the type of appeal.   You can find all of this information on the Medicare website:  https://www.medicare.gov/providers-services/claims-appeals-complaints/appeals

David Wiley · Answer

It takes Medicare anywhere from a week to two weeks to make a decision on an appeal.
I wish the process was quicker, but the volume of appeals is quite large.

Ryan George · Answer

Hard to say, it depends on the situation and what plan you're on. 

Part C/Advantage, has a standard appeal of 30 days. Expedited can be as quick as 72 hours, with a continuation of care being requested while appeal is pending. 

Part D/Prescription Drug Coverage, has a standard 7 day redetermination period. Expedited, same 72 hours as Advantage. For an IRE (Independent Review Entity), 7 days or 72 hours. 

Part A & B/Original Medicare, redetermination is 60 days to decide. Reconsideration is also 60 days. Medicare appeals council is 90 days. 

Best rule of thumb is to get the appeal over ASAP and let them worry about the deadlines. If you're looking for a general timeline, stick to 60 days from the denial letter is the latest in which you can appeal.

Janix Barbosa-LLanos · Answer

That is a great question!

The time for a Medicare appeal depends on the type of coverage.
	•	For Original Medicare (Parts A & B), the first appeal (called a redetermination) usually takes about 60 days after Medicare receives your request.
	•	For Medicare Advantage or Part D drug plans, a standard appeal is normally decided within 30 days, or within 72 hours if it’s an urgent request.

You always have the right to appeal any decision you disagree with.
(Source: Medicare.gov, CMS 2024)

Janix Barbosa 
Contact me.
⸻

Disclosure:
This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace official guidance from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). For details, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE.

Steven DiPaolo · Answer

It will depend on a few factors such what type of coverage you have such as Medicare supplement or Medicare Advantage. 

Generally there are 2 levels for appeals and each level can take 60 days, however if you have a Medicare Advantage they have shorter timeframes.

Corey Romero · Answer

Honestly? Longer than you or I want them to..

Here's the deal, there’s no clean answer here. Sometimes it’s a couple weeks. Sometimes it’s months. It depends on what you’re appealing, how good the paperwork is, and whether the right person at the right office decides to actually do their job that day.

Drug plan appeals usually move faster, especially if it’s time-sensitive. But if you’re appealing something like an IRMAA surcharge or a denied claim, you might be waiting a while and calling more than once to make sure it didn’t get lost in a black hole. Which, by the way, is not that uncommon.

It’s one of the most frustrating parts of Medicare. We do everything we can to get it right the first time and follow up, but the timeline? That part’s out of our hands.

Juan Osborn · Answer

Medicare appeals take 60 days under standard conditions. 14 days for expedited pre-service appeals. The one used depends on the level of review needed.

Mary Brown · Answer

A Medicare appeal can take anywhere from 24 hours to several months, depending on the type of appeal.

Suzanne Lamperti · Answer

I do not know. That depends on the individual situation. I don't have any information to give you. Sorry.

Andrew Kelly · Answer

It really depends on the kind of appeal you are making. It all depends on the type of appeal and complexity of your case.

Jermaine Williams · Answer

Medicare Appeals must be submitted within 120 days whereas Medicare advantage plans must be submitted within 60 days of the denial

Tonya White · Answer

Medicare appeals can vary in time so there is no set answer and it may also depend on whether you are trying to appeal with Original Medicare or whether you are trying to appeal a decision with an insurance carrier. I would need more information.

Answered by Tonya White on October 26, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, MA, MI & 5 other states

Answered by Tonya White Medicare Insurance Agent

John Weaver · Answer

I have had clients who took up to 9 months to resolve Medicare appeals. He ended up sending the information to Medicare 3 times, physically handing the material to the Medicare office 3 times, and sending the forms to the insurance company 4 times. It's still ongoing.

Answered by John Weaver on November 4, 2025

Broker Licensed in CA, AZ, IL & 7 other states

Answered by John Weaver Medicare Insurance Agent

Heather Currier · Answer

A standard Medicare appeal typically takes about 60 days to receive a decision for Original Medicare, while Medicare Advantage and Part D appeals are usually decided within 30 days, or much faster (72 hours) if requested as urgent or expedited.

Answered by Heather Currier on January 12, 2026

Agent Licensed in LA

Answered by Heather Currier Medicare Insurance Agent

Dorthea Hughes · Answer

Medicare appeals can take anywhere from 90 days or up depending on the backlog in the court system.  However the social security department usually tries to get appeals answered as soon as possible.

Kelsey Harris · Answer

Timelines vary, but expect a fast/expedited appeal to be decided within 72 hours, while a standard appeal can take weeks to months depending on the level of the appeal.

How long do Medicare appeals take?

Agents: Share Your Expertise

Seniors: Ask a Question of Your Own

Related Questions

Agent Locator

Medicare Agents Hub
A non-government resource website

How long do Medicare appeals take?

Agents: Share Your Expertise

Seniors: Ask a Question of Your Own

Related Questions

Agent Locator

Medicare Agents HubA non-government resource website

Medicare Agents Hub
A non-government resource website