Who has to pay after a code 302 denial?

Usually the provider's problem — not yours. The letters in front of the number matter: CO (contractual obligation) usually means an in-network provider must absorb it, while PR (patient responsibility) means the plan says you owe it.

How long do I have to appeal?

It depends on your coverage: 180 days for most employer and marketplace plans, 120 days for Original Medicare, about 90 days for Medicaid (varies by state), and only 65 days for Medicare Advantage. Set your deadline clock before you do anything else.

All denial codes · code 302

Denial code 302: what it means — and how to fight it

Denial code 302 (shown on your EOB as CO-302 or PR-302) means: “Precertification/notification/authorization/pre-treatment time limit has expired.” In plain English: The authorization request came in too late, or the approval you had ran out before the care happened. The clock, not the care, is the problem.

high appealability Usually the provider's problem — not yours

What they're really saying

“Precertification/notification/authorization/pre-treatment time limit has expired.”

The authorization request came in too late, or the approval you had ran out before the care happened. The clock, not the care, is the problem.

Your odds

Strong — this type of denial has real weaknesses.

Often overturned, because getting authorization on time is the provider's job.

Fewer than 1 in 100 denied claims are ever appealed. When people do appeal, roughly 4 in 10 win the first round — and independent external review overturns 40–50% of what reaches it.

How to appeal a code 302 denial

Decode. You just did — this page is step one.
Set your clock. 180 days for most employer and marketplace plans, 120 for Original Medicare, ~90 for Medicaid, only 65 for Medicare Advantage.
Urgent? If this is care you still need, call and request an expedited appeal — they must decide within 72 hours.
Ask who submitted the authorization request and when — the dates decide this. Find out when the request was submitted and when the window closed. If your provider missed the deadline, that is their administrative failure and they generally cannot bill you for it — say so in writing. If the authorization expired because your surgery got rescheduled, ask for a new authorization covering the actual date and request retroactive approval. Emergencies never require prior authorization, so if this was urgent care, lead with that.
Send it certified. Letter plus evidence, keep copies of everything.
Escalate. Denied again? Independent external review — a doctor who doesn't work for your insurer decides.

Do it in minutes, free

The AppealClock tool translates your denial, drafts your appeal letter, computes your exact deadline — and watches the clock so you don't have to. No account. Your medical details never leave your device.

Start your appeal & set your clock →

Common questions

What does denial code 302 mean?: The authorization request came in too late, or the approval you had ran out before the care happened. The clock, not the care, is the problem.
Can I appeal a CO-302 or PR-302 denial?: Yes. Appealing is free and it is your legal right. For this code the odds are high: Often overturned, because getting authorization on time is the provider's job. Fewer than 1 in 100 denials are ever appealed — insurers count on silence.
Who has to pay after a code 302 denial?: Usually the provider's problem — not yours. The letters in front of the number matter: CO (contractual obligation) usually means an in-network provider must absorb it, while PR (patient responsibility) means the plan says you owe it.
How long do I have to appeal?: It depends on your coverage: 180 days for most employer and marketplace plans, 120 days for Original Medicare, about 90 days for Medicaid (varies by state), and only 65 days for Medicare Advantage. Set your deadline clock before you do anything else.