Wait times shrink in Medicare claims disputes

Some good news for Medicare beneficiaries to start the New Year: The wait time for hearings of Medicare appeals has been cut by more than half. Every year, Medicare denies millions of claims, leaving beneficiaries with billions of dollars in unexpected bills. Such decisions can be appealed, but the process—which has five levels, in all—can be complicated and time-consuming. (The exact procedure to follow differs, depending on whether you are enrolled in original fee-for-service Medicare, a private Medicare Advantage plan or a Part D prescription-drug plan. Doctors, hospitals and other health-care providers may also appeal denied claims.)