In Rhode Island, external review of a denied health-plan claim is administered by Rhode Island Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner (OHIC). After internal appeals are exhausted, an independent reviewer decides, and the decision binds the plan. Expedited review is available for urgent cases.
How external review works in Rhode Island
Rhode Island runs its own external review program, administered by Rhode Island Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner (OHIC).
After you exhaust the plan's internal appeals, an independent reviewer outside the plan examines the denial and the medical record. The decision binds the plan — if it overturns the denial, the plan must cover the service. Expedited review is available when waiting would jeopardize your health.
Plan type still governs
Deadlines and eligibility
State external review applies to fully insured and ACA-marketplace plans. Consistent with the ACA framework, the request generally follows exhaustion of internal appeals and a filing window in line with the federal four-month standard — confirm the current Rhode Island window with Rhode Island Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner. The decision is binding on the plan.
Frequently asked
Does Rhode Island run its own external review?
Does Rhode Island's external review cover an ERISA plan?
Primary sources: 45 CFR 147.136 (internal claims, appeals & external review); HealthCare.gov — external review process. General information, not legal or medical advice — confirm against the governing rule for the plan type.
When the appeal has to be written, and cited
Upload the denied EOB and Merits returns a complete, citation-verified appeal letter — the clinical argument, the payer's own coverage criteria, and your federal appeal rights — in about a minute.