Was your medical claim denied when you think it should have been approved? Learn how to file an appeal.
As a Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) member, you have the option to file an appeal when a medical claim is denied. You may choose to file an appeal to dispute a payment, coverage decision, or for other adverse benefit determinations.
An adverse benefit determination means a denial of coverage. This may happen if your health insurance:
- Has denied a benefit
- Won’t pay for a service you’ve already gotten
- Has canceled coverage
An Adverse Benefit Determination Letter, or denial letter, may be sent to you when a claim is denied. It includes details about:
- Why your claim was denied
- What information is needed to process an appeal
- How to file an appeal
If you decide to appeal a denied medical claim, you'll need to know some important information about the process and submit forms that will officially begin your appeal.
You might file an appeal if your claim was denied for any of the following reasons:
- Your plan doesn't cover services or procedures listed on the claim or was denied due to a benefit limit.
- The procedures received are considered not medically necessary, experimental, investigational, or cosmetic.
- The coverage requires preauthorization.
Important Note: You must submit your appeal within 180 days of the date on the Adverse Benefit Determination or denial letter.
Use the Member Appeals Form (PDF) to file appeals. A Spanish language appeals form is available in our member forms library.
- Review the appeal instructions in your explanation of benefits (EOB), found in the Blue Cross NC member portal, or in your Adverse Benefit Determination Letter.
- Gather necessary information, including medical history, health records, referrals, or additional facts.
- Keep records of all claim documents and phone conversations, including dates, times, and notes taken.
- Complete the Member Appeal Representation Authorization Form (PDF) to choose a trusted representative to help with your appeals.
Make sure you include:
- Your name
- Your subscriber ID or member ID number (found on your member ID card)
- Service / claim information
- Reason for the appeal
- Any comments, supporting documents, records, and other information you'd like us to consider
Medical appeals forms can be submitted by US mail or by fax:
Mailing address:
Member Rights and Appeals
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina
PO Box 30055
Durham, NC 27702-3055
Fax number:
919-765-4409
Dental appeals use a different process than medical appeals, so you’ll need to submit a different form to get started.
Blue Cross NC will review your appeal to determine whether the services you received are covered by your plan. Depending on your plan and the level of review your appeal requires, the timeline for deciding on your appeal may vary.
You can learn more about how long appeals may take by checking your Benefits Booklet in your member portal. You can also contact us for more information.
Get reliable answers to your insurance questions, such as how to get prior authorization and submitting a claim.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in its health programs and activities. Learn more about our non-discrimination policy and no-cost services available to you.
Information in other languages: Español 中文 Tiếng Việt 한국어 Français العَرَبِيَّة Hmoob ру́сский Tagalog ગુજરાતી ភាសាខ្មែរ Deutsch हिन्दी ລາວ 日本語
© 2026 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. ®, SM Marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans. All other marks and names are property of their respective owners. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.