Public programs
Medicaid notices and fair hearings
Applicants and enrollees have a right to a state fair hearing when coverage or services are denied, reduced or ended.
Key points
- Federal rules require states to offer a fair hearing; the state sets a request deadline of no more than 90 days from the notice date.
- Benefits may continue during the appeal if the request is made before the action's effective date (often within about 10 days).
- Enrollees in Medicaid managed care generally must use the plan's appeal process before a state fair hearing.
- Each state runs its own process — check the state Medicaid agency.
In practice
- Note the notice date and the continuation-of-benefits deadline separately.
- Local legal aid organizations often represent people in fair hearings at no cost.
Official sources
- eCFR — 42 CFR Part 431 Subpart E (fair hearings) (opens in a new tab)
- Medicaid.gov — Where people can get help (opens in a new tab)
Educational summary, not legal advice. Deadlines depend on the notice, plan type and state.
Sources checked November 7, 2026. Rules change — confirm with the official source before acting.