The office of the Healthcare Advocate is here to help you

Need help with your health insurance? The Office of the Healthcare Advocate (OHA) is here for you—at no cost. We can help you understand your health benefits, fight denied claims, and deal with insurance companies. Our team understands the system and is there to help when you need support. We can help with:

- Claim denials
- Prior authorizations
- Finding health insurance coverage
- Assistance with hospital bills
- Medical care complaints
- Wheelchair repair delays

My claim was denied

Receiving a denial from your health insurance company can be frustrating and concerning, particularly when you need important medical care. However, insurance denials are not always final decisions. Understanding why your claim was denied and knowing your appeal rights can help you challenge inappropriate denials effectively.

 

Learn about your appeal rights and how OHA can help you .

Understanding denial reasons

Insurance companies may deny claims for various reasons, each requiring a different approach to resolve.

Prepare an appeal

Building a strong appeal significantly increases your chances of over turning an insurance denial. Our experience has shown t hat well - prepared appeals are much more likely to succeed.

Request assistance

Our experienced advocates have helped thousands of Connecticut residents successfully appeal insurance denials and can provide valuable guidance specific to your situation.

Prior authorization

Prior authorization (also called pre-approval, pre-certification, or utilization review) is a requirement by many insurance plans to approve certain services, treatments, medications, or equipment before you receive them. This process requires doctors, hospitals, and other treating practitioners to ask permission from the insurance company on your behalf for coverage, or you may need to pursue authorization yourself for out - of - network services. Understanding this process can help prevent claim denials and ensure timely access to needed care, and the Office of the Healthcare Advocate is available to assist both patients and providers with prior authorization requests and denials.

 

Learn about the prior authorization process and the rules in Connecticut.

Tips for success

These practical strategies will help you work effectively with your insurance company, understand your benefits, and protect yourself from unexpected costs or coverage denials.

Appeal a denial

When your health insurance denies prior authorization for a service, treatment, or medication, you have the right to challenge that decision. Here's how the appeal process works.

Request assistance

Don't let prior authorization denials or delays prevent you from getting the care you need. OHA is here to help you navigate these challenges and ensure timely access to necessary treatment.

Request financial assistance for hospital Bills

Hospital financial assistance programs in Connecticut provide crucial support for patients who struggle to pay their medical bills. These programs are designed to help individuals and families manage healthcare costs through various forms of relief, including payment plans, discounted services, or complete debt forgiveness based on financial need. Most Connecticut hospitals evaluate eligibility using federal poverty level guidelines, with many offering full assistance to patients earning up to 250% of the poverty threshold, and sliding-scale support for those with higher incomes.

 

Find hospital financial assistance programs in Connecticut.
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Online inquiry form

Use this form to ask your question.
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Release of information (PDF)

This form lets us see your health insurance or medical records.
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Medicare representative form (PDF)

This form lets us contact Medicare or your insurer for you.

File a complaint about medical care

If you received poor medical care or have problems with your health insurance, you have the right to file a complaint. The Connecticut Office of the Healthcare Advocate (OHA) is here to help you understand your options and guide you through the complaint process at no cost.

Whet her your complaint is about a doctor, hospital, nursing home, or insurance company, we'll help you identify the right place to file your complaint and support you every step of the way. You don't have to navigate this process alone.

 

Find out who to contact about your situation .

Request OHA assistance

doctor and patient filling out form

Have a question or need help?

To get help from OHA, fill out our online form, send an email, or call us. The quickest way to get help is via email.
  • Call OHA 
    Call: 1-866-466-4446 Our phone lines are staffed Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. by knowledgeable advocates ready to assist with your questions and concerns.
  • Email OHA 
     Email: Healthcare.Advocate@ct.gov Email is often the quickest way to receive assistance. Include your contact information and a brief description of your issue for the fastest response.
  • Release form (PDF) 
    Online Form: Submit Request for Help Complete our online inquiry form and any appropriate authorization forms to initiate the assistance process. An advocate will contact you within 1-2 business days.
  • Appointment of rep. form (PDF) 
    If you have Medicare, fill out a Medicare Representative form.