Does Aetna deny a lot of claims?

Asked by: Vena Trantow  |  Last update: September 21, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (31 votes)

A review of 2023 data from the state's Insurance Department found the three companies deny claims at rates above the statewide average for both HMO and indemnity plans. Aetna had the highest denial rates for HMO plans, at 39.4%, followed closely by Harvard Pilgrim, at 38.8%, and Connecticare, at 33.6%.

What is the denial rate for Aetna?

Other insurance companies with the highest claim denial rates included Sendero Health Plans (28%), Molina Healthcare (26%) and Community First Health Plans (26%). Additionally, the analysis found the denial rates for other major insurance companies, including Anthem (23%), Medica (23%) and Aetna (22%).

Which health insurance denies the most claims?

According to personal finance website ValuePenguin – which used federal data from 2022 to compile in-network claim denial rates by companies offering plans on at least some Affordable Care Act exchanges – UnitedHealthcare denied nearly one-third of claims, topping the list.

Why would Aetna deny a claim?

The procedure is merely cosmetic and not medically necessary. The treating physician is out of network or out of plan. The claim filed was for a medical condition that isn't authorized or covered. Medical treatment or procedure is investigational or experimental.

How often are health insurance claims denied?

What is the current denial rate for healthcare claims? 38% of survey respondents said that at least one in ten claims is denied. Some organizations see claims denied more than 15% of the time.

Health Insurance Denials

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What is the most common reason for claims being denied?

Incorrect or duplicate claims, lack of medical necessity or supporting documentation, and claims filed after the required timeframe are common reasons for denials. Experimental, investigational, or non-covered services are also likely to be denied.

What is the average claim denial rate?

Nearly 15% of all claims submitted to private payers initially are denied, including many that were preapproved during the prior authorization process. Overall, 15.7% of Medicare Advantage and 13.9% of commercial claims were initially denied.

How long does it take Aetna to approve a claim?

If we had to approve your claim before you got care, we will decide within 30 days of getting your appeal. For other claims, we'll decide within 60 days.

How do you fight insurance claims denial?

If an insurance company denies a request or claim for medical treatment, insureds have the right to appeal to the company and also to then ask the Department of Insurance to review the denial. These actions often succeed in obtaining needed medical treatment, so a denial by an insurer is not the final word.

What is the Aetna class action lawsuit?

UPDATE: After what is believed to be the world's largest HIV privacy data breach, Aetna Inc. agreed January 16, 2018 to a $17 million settlement in a class action lawsuit filed after a faulty mailing revealed the private medical information of thousands of its customers.

What insurances are not recommended?

15 Insurance Policies You Don't Need
  • Private Mortgage Insurance. ...
  • Extended Warranties. ...
  • Automobile Collision Insurance. ...
  • Rental Car Insurance. ...
  • Car Rental Damage Insurance. ...
  • Flight Insurance. ...
  • Water Line Coverage. ...
  • Life Insurance for Children.

Is Aetna considered good insurance?

It also offers benefits like access to 24/7 virtual care at no or low costs, depending on your plan, and mental health coverage. Aetna is regarded as a good health insurance provider overall.

How do you fight Aetna?

To help us resolve the dispute, we'll need:
  1. A completed copy of the appropriate form.
  2. The reasons why you disagree with our decision.
  3. A copy of the denial letter or Explanation of Benefits letter.
  4. The original claim.
  5. Documents that support your position (for example, medical records and office notes)

What is the time limit for Aetna claims?

You must file claims within 180 days from the date services were performed, unless there's a contractual exception. For inpatient claims, the date of service refers to the member's discharge date. You have 90 days from the paid date to resubmit a revised version of a processed claim.

What are the 3 most common mistakes on a claim that will cause denials?

Here, we discuss the first five most common medical coding and billing mistakes that cause claim denials so you can avoid them in your business:
  • Claim is not specific enough. ...
  • Claim is missing information. ...
  • Claim not filed on time (aka: Timely Filing)

Can I sue insurance for denying claim?

There are laws designed to protect consumers in the state of California and across the nation. It's not uncommon for policyholders to sue their healthcare insurers for denial of a claim, mainly when the claim is for a service that is crucial to their health and future or the health and future of a loved one.

What are the odds of winning an insurance appeal?

Only half of denied claims are appealed, and of those appeals, half are overturned! Undivided's Head of Health Plan Advocacy, Leslie Lobel, says that if you have a winner argument and patience to get through all the levels of "no," there is a good chance you can get your denial overturned.

Does Aetna have a waiting period?

Preventive services are covered at 100%. And you can start using your benefits right away. While most dental plans require a waiting period for services like fillings, crowns or root canals, we'll waive the waiting period if you switch from your comparable plan to an Aetna Dental Direct plan.

How do I make sure my insurance claim gets approved?

Just follow the suggestions given below and stay as transparent as possible.
  1. Don't hide anything from your insurer.
  2. Inform your insurer about any prolonged vacancies.
  3. Work on home security systems.
  4. Store the proofs of ownership for valuable items.
  5. Report any theft to the police.
  6. Submit the documents in time.

How to check Aetna claims status?

If you'd rather call us than go online, Aetna Voice Advantage ® lets you check patient benefits, claim status and precertification requirements. We can fax the information to your office within minutes. For all other plans, call 1-888-MDAetna (1-888-632-3862).

What is a typical reason for a denied claim?

A rejected claim is typically the result of: A coding error(s), • A mismatched procedure and ICD-10 code(s), or • A terminated patient medical insurance policy.

Do denied claims count against you?

Does a denied home insurance claim count against you? A denied home insurance claim typically doesn't affect your credit score, but multiple denials or a pattern of claims may raise concerns for insurers. Understanding the reasons for the claim denial will enable you to take steps to prevent future denials.

How often are healthcare claims denied?

Insurers deny between 10% and 20% of health care claims they receive, although government data is limited, ProPublica reported in 2023. About 1 in 5 adults said their insurer denied a claim in the past year, according to a separate 2023 report from KFF, a nonprofit health research organization.