If you can show good cause of why you did not file an appeal on time, you can file a late appeal. The good cause exception applies at each level of the Medicare appeals process and it applies whether you are appealing a denial from Original Medicare, a Medicare Advantage plan, or a Part D prescription drug plan. Good cause reasons for filing late are judged on a case-by-case basis, so there is no complete list of acceptable reasons for filing an appeal late, but some examples include:

– The coverage notice you are appealing was mailed to the wrong address.
– A Medicare representative gave you incorrect information about the claim you are appealing.
– You or a close family member you were caring for was ill and you could not handle business matters.
– The person you are helping appeal a claim is illiterate, does not speak English, or could not otherwise read or understand the coverage notice.

If you think you have a good reason for not appealing on time, send in your appeal with a clear explanation of why your appeal is late.