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Mental Health: when insurers say no, reviewers often say yes

In 40 published external-review decisions involving mental health, independent physician reviewers overturned the insurer’s denial 72.5% of the time.

Published decisions
40
2001–2026
Overturned
72.5%
29 denials reversed
How to use this in your appeal

These outcomes come from California’s external review program — an independent physician panel whose decision binds the insurer. Every state has an equivalent, and internal appeals succeed even more often. If your care for mental health was denied, the published record says the denial is worth fighting.

SOURCE: CALIFORNIA DMHC INDEPENDENT MEDICAL REVIEW OUTCOMES (CHHS OPEN DATA) · DERIVED AGGREGATE STATISTICS ONLY · METHODOLOGY

Not legal or medical advice. Coverage Rights is a self-help tool that helps you prepare your own appeal. For advice about your specific situation, talk to a licensed attorney or your doctor.

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