New law grants more review of denied health claims

An Illinois law that went into effect July 1 grants consumers the right to an external, independent review of denied health insurance claims.

The Illinois Department of Insurance issued a reminder about the law Friday.

In the past, only patients in health maintenance organizations had the right to such reviews. The new law extends the protection to people covered by other types of plans.

Consumers can request an external review within four months of getting notice that their insurer has denied a claim or treatment request. Reviews are done by doctors assigned by an independent review organization approved by the state insurance department. The external review must be paid for by the insurer and must be completed within 20 business days.