This is a big concern for many patients because sometimes insurers don’t approve long hospital stays. Talk to the hospital discharge planner (often a social worker) if you don’t think you’re medically ready to leave the hospital. The discharge planner will take your concerns to the doctor who makes this decision. If you’re covered by Medicare or by a Medicare-managed care plan, you can file an appeal about a discharge while you’re still in the hospital. You should get a form from the hospital titled “An Important Message from Medicare,” which explains how to appeal a hospital discharge decision. Appeals are free and generally resolved in two to three days. The hospital cannot discharge you until the appeal is completed.