Cigna manages behavioral health through Evernorth Behavioral Health. In California, behavioral appeals go to a separate Evernorth appeals unit. Sending them to the medical appeals address is a common way to lose weeks.
This guide follows Cigna's national appeals page and its California dispute resolution policy, both checked in October 2026.
Key points
- California behavioral appeals go to Evernorth, not Cigna medical.
- 365 calendar days in California, 180 elsewhere.
- External review through an IRO needs the patient's approval.
How the process works
- 1Call first. Cigna asks providers to try to resolve the issue informally by phone.
- 2Coding edit denials: a CignaforHCP or Provider.Evernorth.com user with claims access can request a reconsideration online. This applies only to claims denied by coding edits.
- 3Written appeal: use the Request for Health Care Provider Payment Review form, with the denial or remittance notice and the records that support your case.
- 4Arbitration is the final step after the internal process, under your contract.
California deadlines and address
| Item | California rule |
|---|---|
| Filing window | 365 calendar days from the initial payment or denial, or from the last adjustment |
| Behavioral appeals | Evernorth Behavioral Health, Central Appeals Unit, P.O. Box 188064, Chattanooga, TN 37422 |
| Medical appeals | Cigna HealthCare of California, National Appeals Unit, PO Box 188011, Chattanooga, TN 37422 |
| HMO and POS acknowledgment | Within 15 business days |
| HMO and POS decision | Within 45 business days |
| 100 or more claims | Numbered Excel spreadsheet plus supporting documents |
Addresses as published on Cigna's California dispute resolution page, checked October 3, 2026. Confirm on the page before you mail anything.
Outside California, Cigna's national window is 180 calendar days.
Who can appeal what
| Denial type | Who appeals |
|---|---|
| Inpatient facility denial (level of care, length of stay) | Provider or patient |
| Medical necessity denial | Provider or patient |
| Benefit denial (exclusion, limit, copay) | Patient |
| Maximum reimbursable amount | Patient |
For some medical necessity denials, Cigna offers an external review by an Independent Review Organization (IRO) after the first appeal is denied. Cigna says the provider must get the patient's approval before that review can go forward.
Prevent the next one: Evernorth billing codes
Evernorth publishes preferred billing codes by level of care: 0905 with S9480 for mental health IOP, 0906 with H0015 for SUD IOP, 0912 or 0913 with H0035 for PHP, and 1001 or 1002 with no HCPCS for residential. See the revenue code guide for the full table.
Not legal advice. This guide is general education, not legal advice. Plan documents, provider contracts and state law can change the rules. Talk to a health care attorney about a specific case.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I send a Cigna behavioral health appeal in California?
To Evernorth Behavioral Health, Central Appeals Unit, P.O. Box 188064, Chattanooga, TN 37422, per Cigna's California dispute page as of October 2026.
How long do I have to appeal a Cigna denial in California?
365 calendar days from the initial payment or denial notice, or from the last payment adjustment.
Can I appeal a Cigna benefit exclusion as the provider?
Cigna lists benefit denials as customer appeals. Medical necessity and inpatient level of care denials can be appealed by either the provider or the patient.
Sources
- Cigna Healthcare, Appeals and disputes policy and procedures (opens in a new tab)
- Cigna Healthcare, California dispute resolution policy (opens in a new tab)
- Evernorth Behavioral Health, Authorization and Billing Resource (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
Last reviewed October 2026. Payer rules change; check the source before you file.
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