MedicaidAdministrativeMedium impact
[Indiana] Access and Availability | After Hours Standard Change
CareSource·IN · Psychiatry·Provider Bulletin
Effective date
Jul 1, 2026
We identified it
May 30, 2026
Summary
CareSource is expanding its after-hours availability requirement for Primary Care Providers to now include Behavioral Health (BH) providers effective July 1, 2026. BH providers must ensure patients can reach a provider or backup via phone after hours for triage, or refer patients to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline. This is an operational/compliance requirement, not a billing code change.
Action Required
By June 30, 2026: Billing team and BH providers must verify that all after-hours phone messaging and answering systems are properly configured to allow patient triage. Ensure messaging includes contact information for the provider, backup provider, or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline. Front desk staff should test all phone lines and voicemail systems to confirm compliance. Document verification in provider files. Non-compliance may result in network violations, credentialing actions, or contract penalties. Review the 'Timely Access to Care' training on HealthPlanResources.com (Provider Portal course catalog). Contact CareSource Health Partner Services with questions: Marketplace 1-833-230-2101, Medicaid 1-844-607-2831.