You have the right to appeal, or request an independent review of, any action we take or decision we make about your coverage, benefits or services. You can submit your appeal online, by email, by fax, by mail, or you can call using the number on the back of your member ID card. There are several levels of appeal, including internal and external appeal levels, which you may follow. Contact us as soon as possible because time limits apply.
Complete and send your appeal entirely online.
Download a form to use to appeal by email, mail or fax.
When we make a decision about what services we will cover or how we'll pay for them, we let you know. Usually we will send you an explanation of benefits statement statement or a letter explaining our decision about a pre-authorization request. An appeal is a request from a member, or an authorized representative, to change a decision we have made about:
- Access to health care benefits, including a pre-authorization request denial
- Claims payment, handling or reimbursement for health care services
Other matters included in your plan's contract with us or as required by state or federal law
A member is:
- A person who has bought insurance for themselves (also called a contract holder) and any dependents they choose to enroll
Someone who has insurance through an employer, and any dependents they choose to enroll
The member can appeal, or a representative the member chooses, including an attorney or, in some cases, a doctor.
You can appeal a decision in writing or verbally. You must appeal within 180 days of getting our written decision. Be sure to include any other information, such as medical records, you want considered in the appeal.
Appropriate staff members who were not involved in the earlier decision will review the appeal. Once that review is done, you will receive a letter explaining the result.
You can send your appeal online today through DocuSign.
Sign in to DocuSign »
Use the appeal form below. Instructions are included on how to complete and submit the form. You can also get information and assistance on how to submit a written appeal by calling the Customer Service number on the back of your member ID card.
Appeal form: Use this form to make your written appeal of a decision you disagree with.
Call the phone number on the back of your member ID card. Customer Service will help you with the process.
For member appeals that qualify for a faster decision, there is an expedited appeal process.
An independent, external review may also be available.
When you ask, we will supply copies of the relevant records we used to make our initial decision or appeal decision for free. Those documents will include the specific rules, guidelines or other similar criteria that affected the decision.
The member appeal process varies by type of plan in order to follow state and federal law. You can find more details about the member appeal process in your benefit booklet (also called a summary plan description). You can find your benefit booklet by signing in and going to your Benefits page.
If you have any questions about your member appeal process, call our Customer Service department at the number on the back of your member ID card.
People with a hearing or speech disability can contact us using TTY: 711.
Para asistencia en español, por favor llame al teléfono de Servicio al Cliente en la parte de atrás de su tarjeta de miembro.
Para humingi ng tulong sa Tagalog, pakitawagan ang numero ng telepono ng Serbisyo sa Kostumer (Customer Service) na nakasulat sa likod ng inyong kard bilang miyembro.
如需中文幫助，請撥打客戶服務電話， 號碼位於您會員卡背面。
Diné kʼehjí áká'eʼyeedgo, t'áá shǫǫdí áká anídaalwoʼí bi béésh bee haneʼé ninaaltsoos bee atah nílínígíí bineʼdę̀ę̀ bikááʼ.
If you have more questions about your appeal rights, contact the Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner as listed below.
Self-insured group coverage
If you are insured through your employer or through other group coverage:
Contact the U.S. Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) or call 1-866-444-EBSA (3272).
Note: If you are not sure if your group coverage is self-insured or insured, call Member Services, using the number on the back of your member ID card.
Insured group coverage
Contact your local government insurance department, or the U.S. Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) or call 1-866-444-EBSA (3272).
Individual coverage
If your insurance is through an individual policy, contact the Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner for assistance.
Office of the Insurance Commissioner
Consumer Protection Division
PO Box 40256
Olympia WA 98504-0256
Phone: 1 (800) 562-6900
TDD: (360) 586-0241
Olympia: (360) 725-7080
Fax: (360) 586-2018
Email the Consumer Protection Division