What is timely filing and how long do I have to bill Georgia Medicaid?
Timely filing is the deadline to send a claim. For Georgia Medicaid, state guidance says six months from the month of service for a first claim. Resubmitting a denied claim is generally three months from the month of denial. Federal rules set an outer limit of 12 months. Check your program manual.
Timely filing means the last day a payer will accept your claim. Miss it and the money is usually gone, even if the care was real.
What the sources say:
- Georgia law says claims are due not more than six months after the month in which the service was given. The commissioner may extend this for causes beyond your control, but not past 12 months.
- Georgia’s common-denials guidance lists six months from the date of service for original claims, three months from the month of payment for adjustments, and three months from the month of denial for resubmissions. Secondary claims get 12 months. A claim’s life is capped at 365 days.
- Federal rules require providers to file within 12 months of the date of service.
The months are counted from the month of service, not the day. A visit in March 2026 is due by the end of September 2026.
Practical habit: bill weekly, not monthly, and work denials the week they arrive. Treat the shortest deadline as your deadline.
Program manuals and managed care plans can differ. Confirm the rule for your program with your state Medicaid agency.
Sources
- Georgia Code 49-4-145: Time limitations on claims for assistance · Official Code of Georgia (via Justia)
- Georgia Medicaid Common Denials webinar (Feb 2021) · Georgia DCH / GAMMIS
- 42 CFR 447.45 Timely claims payment · eCFR / U.S. Government
- Georgia Medicaid Claims Timely Filing reimbursement policy G-06050 · Amerigroup Georgia (Medicaid care management organization)
Reviewed by Beth Bledsoe, Care Business Advisor®, 28 Oct 2026. Rules change. Confirm with your state Medicaid agency before you act.
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