Every state has its own Medicaid fair hearing process, an administrative appeal procedure for Medicaid members to challenge decisions the state Medicaid department makes. Even though every state operates its own Medicaid program, each state must follow federal Medicaid rules. One of those rules outlines the fair hearing process when a Medicaid member can challenge a Medicaid eligibility determination that was wrong or not acted upon quickly.
All state Medicaid agencies are required to tell Medicaid members about their fair hearing rights and inform all Medicaid members in writing and anyone applying for Medicaid of their right to a Medicaid fair hearing, including the steps to request a fair hearing. The state Medicaid agency must provide information about fair hearings when a person applies for Medicaid and in writing to the person anytime the state makes decisions about Medicaid eligibility, benefits or services. More information is available from Medicaid.gov, from the Legal Aid Society, and from the Medicaid agency in each state.