Medicare

Five appeal levels, each with its own deadline.

Step by step

1Level 1 is redetermination by the Medicare Administrative Contractor — 120 days to file.
2Escalating levels: reconsideration, ALJ hearing, Medicare Appeals Council, federal court.
3Medicare Advantage plans run their own first level; deadlines are shorter.
4Your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) gives free one-on-one help.

Before you move on

Write down who you spoke with, the date, and what they promised. A short dated note is the single most useful thing you can have if this issue has to be escalated later.

Ask Phoenix about this

Explain medicare in simple terms.What should I say when I call?What happens if they say no?

Educational purposes only

Phoenix Health Compass does not provide legal advice or medical advice. This content summarizes publicly available government and nonprofit resources and is cited throughout. Always confirm requirements, deadlines, and forms with the official agency.

Last reviewed 2026-08-01 by the Phoenix Health Compass editorial team.