As part of the new health care reform law recently passed by Congress, new federal regulations will soon give consumers expanded rights to appeal denials of health insurance claims.

The rules, which will apply to new health care policies that begin on or after September 23, 2010, will make it easier for consumers to dispute an insurance company’s denial of benefits.  It will also require that the insurance coverage continue while the appeal is pending.  Additionally, it gives consumers the right to an independent third-party review, which is not currently available in some states.

Consumer health care advocates are lauding the new regulations for protecting consumers from wrongfully denied health care claims and being burdened with huge health care bills as a result.

Consumers with existing health insurance plans will not be covered by the new rules initially.  However, it is projected that 88 million people will have covered plans by 2013.

For the full story, go to USA Today.