(a) Unless an exception is granted under paragraph (b) of this section, claims for medical services and supplies must be filed with the Center no later than:

(1) One year after the date of service; or

(2) In the case of inpatient care, one year after the date of discharge; or

(3) In the case of retroactive approval for medical services/supplies, 180 days following beneficiary notification of authorization; or

(4) In the case of retroactive approval of CHAMPVA eligibility, 180 days following notification to the beneficiary of authorization for services occurring on or after the date of first eligibility.

(b) Requests for an exception to the claim filing deadline must be submitted, in writing, to the Center and include a complete explanation of the circumstances resulting in late filing along with all available supporting documentation. Each request for an exception to the claim filing deadline willbe reviewed individually and considered on its own merit. The Director, Health Administration Center, or his or her designee may grant exceptions to the requirements in paragraph (a) of this section if he or she determines that there was good cause for missing the filing deadline. For example, when dual coverage exists CHAMPVA payment, if any, cannot be determined until after the primary insurance carrier has adjudicated the claim. In such circumstances an exception may be granted provided that the delay on the part of the primary insurance carrier is not attributable to the beneficiary. Delays due to provider billing procedures do not constitute a valid basis for an exception.

(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 501, 1781)

[63 FR 48102, Sept. 9, 1998, as amended at 73 FR 65553, Nov. 4, 2008]