Timely Filing Limit 2023 and CO 29 Denial Code

As a healthcare provider or billing specialist, you may have encountered the CO 29 denial code, indicating that the claim has been denied due to exceeding the timely filing limit. In this article, we’ll explore what TFL means, up-to-date insurance companies timely filing limits, what the CO 29 denial code signifies, and some frequently asked questions related to timely filing.

So, keep reading to learn everything you need to know about timely filing limit of different insurance companies.

What is Timely Filing Limit of Insurance Companies in Medical Billing?

Timely filing limit refers to the period of time during which a healthcare provider or billing specialist must submit a claim for reimbursement to an insurance company. TFL varies depending on the insurance company and also the type of insurance policy/plan. Generally, timely filing limits range from 90 days to one year from the date of service.

Timely Filing Limit of Different Insurances in 2023

Each insurance company has specific timely filing limit for filing claims. For example, Medicare has a timely filing limit of one year from the date of service, while Medicaid has varying deadlines depending on the state.

Commercial insurance companies may have timely filing limits ranging from 90 days to 180 days from the date of service. Below I have mentioned the timely filing of all insurance companies in USA.

Insurance Name	Timely Filing Limit
AARP	15 months from the DOS
Aetna	120 days from DOS
Aetna Appeals	60 days from previous decision
Aetna Better Health	180 Days
Aetna Better Health Appeals	60 days from previous decision
Aetna Denied Claims	180 Days from denial
Aetna Reconsiderations	180 days
AMA	2 Years from DOS
Ambetter for Non Participating providers	365 Days from DOS
Ambetter for participating providers	120 days from DOS
Ambetter for Reconsideration or Appeals	365 Days
American Life & Health	1 Year from DOS
Amerigroup for Non Participating Providers	365 Days
Amerigroup for Participating Providers	180 Days
Anthem Health Coastwise Claims	3 Years from DOS
Bankers Life	15 months from DOS
Benefit Concepts	12 months from DOS
Benefit Trust Fund	1 year from date of Medicare EOB
Blue Cross PPO	1 year from DOS
Blue Shield	1 year from DOS
Bridgestone/Firestone	12/31 of the following year of service
Champus	1 year from DOS
Cigna for Non Participating Provider	180 days from the DOS
Cigna for Participating Providers	90 days from the DOS
Coventry	180 days from the DOS
Fire Fighters /Local 1014	15 months from the DOS
FMH	6 months from the DOS
FRA	15 months from the DOS
GHI for In Network Claims	1 year from the DOS
GHI for Out of Network Claims	18 months from the DOS
GHI Secondary	365 Days from the primary EOB date
Great West/AH&L/	90 dates from DOS
Healthfirst	1 year from the DOS
Healthnet Access	6 months from DOS
HealthNet PPO	120 days from DOS
HIP Primary Insurance	120 days from DOS
HIP Secondary Payer	120 days from DOS
Humana Commercial Claims	90 Days from the DOS
Humana Medicare Claims	1 year from the DOS
ILWU	3 years from the DOS
Kaiser Permanente	90 days from the DOS
Keystone First Initial Claims	180 days from the Date of Service
Keystone First Resubmissions & Corrected Claims	365 days from the DOS
Local 831 Health	1 year from the DOS
Medicare Appeals	120 days from original determination
Medicare Initial Claims	12 months
Mega Life & Health	15 months from the DOS
Molina Healthcare Initial claims	1 Calender year from the DOS
Molina Healthcare Secondary	180 Calender days from Primary EOB processing date
Motion Picture Ind.	15 months from the DOS
Mutual of Omaha	1 year from the DOS
Nationwide Health	15 months from the DOS
One Healthplan	15 months from the DOS
Operating Engineers	1 year from DOS
Pacificare (PPO)	90 days from the DOS
Principal Financial	3 years from the DOS
Prospect Medical Group (PMG)	90 days from the DOS
SMA	1 year from the DOS
So. Ca Drug Benefit	1 year from the DOS
Tricare East	1 year from the DOS
Tricare West	1 year from the DOS
Troa/Mediplus	2 years from the DOS
UHC Community	120 days from DOS
Unitedhealthcare Appeals	12 months from original claim determination
Unitedhealthcare Non Participating Providers	180 days from the DOS
Unitedhealthcare Participating Providers	90 days from the DOS
Unitedhealthcare Secondary	90 days from Primary EOB processing date
Wellcare Medicare	180 days from the DOS

CO 29 Denial Code Description and Solution

The CO 29 denial code is a common reason for claim denials in healthcare billing. This code indicates that the claim has been denied due to exceeding the timely filing limit. In other words, the provider or billing specialist did not submit the claim within the required timeframe of insurance company.

Each insurance policy has its own timely filing limit, which is the period of time during which a healthcare provider or billing specialist must submit a claim for reimbursement. If a claim is submitted after the timely filing limit, it will be denied with the CO 29 denial code and provider will not receive payment for the services rendered.

CO 29 Denial Code Solution

To avoid claims denials with the CO-29 denial code, it is important to stay up-to-date with the timely filing limits of each insurance company and make sure to submit claim within the timely filing limit. Providers and billing specialists should keep accurate records of the services rendered and submit claims in a timely manner.

In some cases, timely filing limits may be appealed with a proof of timely filing limit if there is a valid reason that causes the provider or billing specialist to submit the claim late.

It is important to note that denials with the CO 29 denial code can have a significant impact on the financial health of a healthcare provider. To avoid these denials, it is essential to have a robust billing system in place that includes accurate record-keeping and timely claims submission and follow up. You may also want to read about PR 1 denial code.

FAQs about TFL

What happens if a claim is submitted after the timely filing limit?

If a claim is submitted after the timely filing limit, it will be denied with the CO 29 denial code.

Can timely filing limit denials be appealed?

Yes, timely filing limit denials can be appealed. If a claim is denied due to a failure to submit the claim within the required time frame, the healthcare provider can appeal the denial by submitting additional information or proof of late filing that may have caused the delay in filing.

How can providers ensure that they meet timely filing limits?

Providers can ensure that they meet timely filing limits by staying up-to-date with the timely filing limits of each insurance company and type of insurance plan. Additionally, it is important to keep accurate records and submit claims in a timely manner to avoid denials.

Final Remarks about Timely Filing Limit

In conclusion, timely filing limits are an important aspect of the revenue cycle management and claims submission process in healthcare. Providers and billing specialists must be aware of the deadlines for each insurance company to ensure that claims are submitted in a timely manner and avoid denials with the CO 29 denial code.