Under CMS rules, what right do patients have regarding grievances and appeals?

• A. Right to override safety protocols
• B. Right to file grievances and appeal decisions
• C. Right to demand medications
• D. Right to ignore patient rights

Answer: (B)

Under CMS rules, patients have a formal right to file grievances about any aspect of care and to appeal decisions about coverage or services. This provides a clear route to raise concerns—such as quality of care, access to services, billing, or discrimination—and to request a review of decisions that affect benefits or treatment. The process is designed to be responsive: patients should be informed how to file, what steps will happen, and the timelines for a response, with opportunities to participate and receive support if needed. If the outcome isn’t satisfactory, there are usually further review options available in many programs. The other options don’t describe a formal mechanism for addressing concerns or challenging decisions and would conflict with patient safety and protections.