Denial Code CARC 29: The Time Limit for Filing Has Expired

CARC 29 means the claim missed the payer’s timely-filing window. It is recoverable more often than practices expect, because proof of timely original submission, and documented good-cause exceptions like retroactive eligibility or another payer’s delay, can reopen a claim written off as too late.

What this denial means

The payer received the claim after its filing deadline (the window varies by payer and contract) and denied it on that basis alone.

Why it happens

Sometimes the claim genuinely was late. Often the original was filed on time but bounced and the resubmission crossed the deadline, or the deadline started from the wrong date, or eligibility was applied retroactively, or a primary payer’s delay pushed the secondary claim past the window.

The appeal angle that works

Produce proof of the timely original submission (clearinghouse acceptance reports, submission logs) and appeal on that basis, since the deadline applies to the original filing, not the resubmission. Where the delay was caused by retroactive eligibility or another payer, document that as good cause for an exception. A timely-filing denial with a clearinghouse timestamp behind it is frequently reversible.

Questions

Is there any way to appeal a timely filing denial?

Yes. Produce proof of the timely original submission, such as clearinghouse acceptance reports or submission logs, since the filing limit applies to the original claim, not the resubmission. Good-cause exceptions like retroactive eligibility or a primary payer’s delay can also reopen the window.