OH

Humana Behavioral Health Appeals in Ohio

Appealing a Humana behavioral health denial in Ohio means tracking two separate clocks: Humana's own 30-day Level-1 appeal window, and Ohio's 30-day prompt-payment statute (Ohio Rev. Code § 3901.381) for clean-claim payment. This guide covers both, plus Humana's filing address and Ohio's parity protections.

Where to file your Humana appeal

Appeal Address
Humana Medical Appeals
P.O. Box 14601
Lexington, KY 40512
Level-1 Response Window

30 calendar days

Provider Portal
File online
Fax

1-800-832-4651

Ohio's prompt-payment window

In Ohio, state-regulated (fully-insured) plans — including many Humana plans — generally must pay or formally respond to a clean claim within 30 calendar days under Ohio Rev. Code § 3901.381. This deadline does not bind self-funded ERISA plans. This is a claim-payment deadline, not the appeal-decision deadline. If Humana missed this window on your claim, cite it as a separate payment violation alongside your Humana appeal — not as the deadline for the appeal decision itself.

A third-party payer pays or denies a claim submitted on the standard claim form within 30 days of receipt (Ohio Rev. Code § 3901.381(B)(1)). When reasonable supporting documentation is needed, the window is 45 days (§ 3901.381(B)(2)(a)). The shorter figure is shown. This is a claim-payment deadline, not an appeal-decision deadline.

MHPAEA parity for Humana in Ohio

Federal MHPAEA (29 USC § 1185a; 29 CFR § 2590.712) applies to Humana's group health plans operating in Ohio. The CAA 2021 § 203 disclosure duty requires Humana to produce its NQTL comparative analysis on request.

Humana's parity posture: Federal MHPAEA parity does not apply to Humana Medicare Advantage plans — the parity argument on this page applies only to Humana commercial/ERISA plans. Humana administers behavioral health through an internal BH team. Strong Medicare Advantage presence — MA plans follow Medicare appeals rules (42 CFR § 422), which differ from commercial ERISA rules.

State-level parity laws may add further protections in Ohio — check with the state's Department of Insurance for current guidance.

Common Humana denial codes

The most common Humana denial codes for behavioral health are: CO-4, CO-97, CO-119. Each has a dedicated guide with the denial explanation and appeal strategy.

Ohio's insurance commissioner

If your internal Humana appeal is denied, Ohio's Department of Insurance can help with a complaint or external review for fully-insured plans. Look up the official contact via the NAIC consumer locator.

Note: self-funded ERISA plans are generally exempt from state insurance regulation. If your patient's Humana plan is employer-sponsored and self-funded, your remedies run through the U.S. Department of Labor (EBSA) rather than Ohio's commissioner.

Generate your Humana appeal letter

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Humana have to respond to an appeal in Ohio?

Humana generally has 30 calendar days to respond to a Level-1 appeal. Separately, Ohio's prompt-payment statute gives payers 30 days to respond to a clean claim (Ohio Rev. Code § 3901.381) — a different deadline governing claim payment, not the appeal decision.

Does MHPAEA apply to Humana in Ohio?

Generally, yes — for Humana's group health plans. Federal MHPAEA (29 CFR § 2590.712) applies to Humana's group health plans in Ohio. Request Humana's NQTL comparative analysis under CAA 2021 § 203.

Where do I mail or fax a Humana appeal?

Mail to Humana Medical Appeals, P.O. Box 14601, Lexington, KY 40512. You can also fax to 1-800-832-4651. This address is the same nationally, including for Ohio providers.