Free resources
Useful links for your appeal.
A curated list of federal regulators, state agencies, and patient-advocacy organizations. All free. None affiliated with Apellica. Use these whether or not you ever work with us.
Federal regulators and ombudsmen
Department of Labor. EBSA (ERISA appeals help)
For employer self-funded plans. EBSA staff can help you escalate ERISA full-and-fair-review violations.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Information for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, including appeal rights.
Medicare appeals. official guide
Step-by-step Medicare appeal process for Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.
HHS Office for Civil Rights. HIPAA complaints
If you believe your PHI has been mishandled.
CMS No Surprises Act help line
Complaints and information about surprise medical billing protections.
State Departments of Insurance
Patient-advocacy organizations (free)
Patient Advocate Foundation
Free case management for insurance, employer, and creditor issues for patients with chronic, life-threatening, or debilitating conditions.
Triage Cancer (legal & financial navigation for cancer)
Free education and one-on-one assistance on insurance appeals and other cancer-related legal/financial issues.
National Patient Advocate Foundation
Patient education and policy advocacy on access-to-care issues.
Appeal rights. by category
Mental Health Parity (MHPAEA). DOL fact sheet
Federal parity law that requires mental health and SUD benefits to be no more restrictive than medical/surgical.
External review. federal HHS guide
How to request external review under the ACA when your internal appeal is denied.
Medicare Advantage appeals (5-level federal ladder)
Plan reconsideration → IRE → ALJ → Council → federal court.
Healthcare attorney referrals
American Bar Association. Health Law Section
Find a healthcare attorney in your state. For matters that may require litigation rather than administrative appeal.
Your state bar's lawyer referral service
Most state bar associations operate lawyer-referral services with reduced-fee initial consultations.
Want help filing the appeal yourself?
Begin your file in two minutes. We will confirm fit for the no-upfront-cost guided path or the self-guided Express package.
Start Your AppealImportant, please read
- Apellica is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Apellica does not provide medical advice. Apellica is not an insurer or a health-care provider.
- We help patients organize, prepare, and submit stronger health insurance appeals. We do not guarantee approval or any specific outcome on any case. Outcomes depend on policy language, deadlines, documentation, and the carrier's rules.
- You remain responsible for tracking your appeal deadlines unless and until Apellica formally accepts your case in writing. For urgent medical decisions, consult a licensed provider.
- Information you submit may include Protected Health Information (PHI). We treat it under our security & HIPAA program and privacy policy.