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What is a timely filing limit?

A timely filing limit is the deadline set by a payer for submitting claims after the date of service. If a claim is submitted after the deadline, the payer will deny it with CO-29 (time limit for filing has expired), regardless of whether the service was medically necessary or correctly billed.

What happens if I miss the timely filing deadline?

If you submit a claim after the timely filing deadline, the payer will deny it with CO-29. You can appeal the denial if you have proof of timely submission (e.g., clearinghouse confirmation, certified mail receipt). Without proof, the claim may need to be written off as a provider loss.

How do I appeal a CO-29 timely filing denial?

To appeal a CO-29 denial, submit proof that the claim was originally submitted within the timely filing window. Acceptable proof includes: clearinghouse submission reports with date/time stamps, electronic claim acceptance acknowledgments (999/277CA files), or certified mail receipts. File the appeal within the payer's appeal deadline (typically 90–180 days from the remittance date).

Does the timely filing clock start from the date of service or the date of discharge?

For outpatient and professional claims, the clock starts from the date of service. For inpatient claims, it typically starts from the date of discharge. Some payers also allow the clock to start from the date a service could first be billed (e.g., if waiting for another payer to adjudicate). Check the specific payer's provider manual.

Do timely filing limits differ for corrected claims?

Corrected claims must be submitted within the original timely filing window. If the original claim was submitted on time, the correction is typically considered timely as long as it is submitted promptly after the denial. However, if the original claim was never submitted, the corrected claim must meet the original timely filing deadline.

What is the timely filing limit for Medicare?

Medicare allows 365 days (1 year) from the date of service for claim submission. This is the most generous timely filing window among major payers. If a claim is submitted after 365 days, Medicare will deny it with CO-29 unless you have proof of timely submission.

Can timely filing limits change?

Yes. Payers can update their timely filing limits at any time, typically announced in provider updates or manual revisions. Always verify the current limit with the payer before relying on this data. This page is reviewed regularly, but always confirm with the payer's current provider manual.

What is the difference between timely filing and appeal deadlines?

Timely filing is the deadline for submitting the original claim (from the date of service). Appeal deadlines are separate — they start from the date of the remittance advice (denial) and give you a window to dispute the payer's decision. Missing either deadline can result in permanent loss of revenue.

Updated 2026-06-23

Timely Filing Limits by Payer

Complete reference of timely filing limits and appeal deadlines for every major payer. Searchable, sortable, and regularly reviewed.

		Appeal Deadline	Appeal Process	Portal
AetnaProfessional & Institutional	120 days from date of service	180 days from remittance date	Standard Appeal	Availity
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)Professional & Institutional	90–180 days (varies by plan)	180 days from remittance date (varies)	Standard Appeal	Local BCBS provider portal
CignaProfessional & Institutional	90 days from date of service	180 days from remittance date	Standard Appeal	CignaforHCP
HumanaProfessional & Institutional	90 days from date of service	180 days from remittance date	Standard Appeal	Humana Provider Portal
MedicaidProfessional & Institutional	90–120 days (varies by state)	90 days from denial (varies by state)	State Fair Hearing	State Medicaid portal
MedicareProfessional & Institutional	365 days (1 year)	120 days from remittance date	Redetermination	MAC portal (Noridian, Palmetto, etc.)
TRICAREProfessional & Institutional	365 days (1 year)	90 days from remittance date	Reconsideration	TRICARE West/East portal
UnitedHealthcare (UHC)Professional & Institutional	90 days from date of service	180 days from remittance date	Standard Reconsideration	UHC Provider Portal (Link)

Payer Notes

Aetna

Aetna requires claims within 120 days of the date of service. For appeals, Aetna allows 180 days from the remittance date for standard appeals. Aetna typically responds to standard appeals within 30 calendar days. Expedited appeals are for urgent care situations and have a 72-hour response time.

Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)

BCBS is a federation of independent companies — timely filing limits vary by state and plan. Most BCBS plans allow 90–180 days from the date of service. Check the specific BCBS plan's provider manual. Appeal deadlines typically range from 90–180 days. Always verify with the local BCBS plan.

Cigna

Cigna requires claims within 90 days of the date of service. For appeals, Cigna allows 180 days from the remittance date for standard appeals. Cigna typically responds to standard appeals within 30 calendar days. Expedited appeals are available for urgent care situations.

Humana

Humana requires claims within 90 days of the date of service. For appeals, Humana allows 180 days from the remittance advice date for standard appeals. Humana typically responds within 30 calendar days. For Medicare Advantage plans, follow CMS appeal timelines.

Medicaid

Medicaid timely filing limits vary by state. Federal minimum is 90 days from the date of service, but some states allow up to 120 days. Check your state's Medicaid provider manual. Appeal deadlines also vary by state — most require a Fair Hearing request within 90 days of the denial.

Medicare

Medicare allows 365 days from the date of service or from the date a service could first be billed. For reopenings (not appeals), Medicare allows 1 year for minor corrections. The 5-level appeal process: Redetermination → Reconsideration → ALJ → DAB → Federal Court.

TRICARE

TRICARE allows 365 days (1 year) from the date of service for claim submission. For appeals, TRICARE requires a reconsideration request within 90 days of the remittance date. TRICARE has 30 days to respond to reconsideration requests. If denied at reconsideration, a formal appeal can be filed within 90 days.

UnitedHealthcare (UHC)

UHC requires claims to be submitted within 90 days of the date of service. For appeals, UHC allows 180 days from the remittance advice date for standard appeals. Expedited appeals must be submitted within the timeframe indicated on the denial. UHC has 30 calendar days to respond to standard appeals.

Last Reviewed: 2026-06-23 · Always verify current limits with the payer's provider manual.

Related Denial Code: CO-29

CO-29 is the denial code for "time limit for filing has expired." When a claim is submitted after the payer's timely filing deadline, the payer will deny it with CO-29 — even if the service was medically necessary and correctly billed. Understanding each payer's filing limit is the best way to prevent CO-29 denials.

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